Viewers are threatening to boycott the show
This Morning producers have denied claims that Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby jumped the queue to see the Queen‘s coffin.
The presenting duo faced significant backlash after they appeared to avoid the long line to Westminster Hall on Friday, the same day that David Beckham queued for 13 hours to go and pay his respects to the Queen.
Schofield, 60, and Willoughby, 41, have received a barrage of abuse in recent days, with some calling for the pair to be sacked. One TalkTV host even branded Schofield a “prat”, and some Twitter users have threatened to boycott This Morning for what they branded “despicable” behaviour.
Bosses from This Morning therefore took to social media to try and prevent any further trolling.
Writing on Instagram, a This Morning spokesperson said: “Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something.
“We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme.
“They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen lying in state – but instead were there in a professional capacity as part of the world media to report on the event.”
An ITV spokesperson also said: “This Morning had press accreditation and like other media, Phillip and Holly were escorted to work from the press gallery by government staff. They did not file past The Queen’s coffin. They were there alongside a host of other broadcasters and national press outlets for an item that will be broadcast on Tuesday’s show. Any allegations of improper behaviour are categorically untrue.”
The news comes as mourners continue to queue for hours to see the Queen’s coffin, with some eBay shoppers bidding over £10,000 for second-hand queue wristbands.
People have now been told it is too late to set off to view the Queen’s lying in state, as doors will close at 6.30am on Monday, ahead of the Queen’s funeral.
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- Man charged after mourner grabbed the Queen’s coffin
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