Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have addressed allegations that they jumped the queue to see the Queen lying in state. Take a look:
On Friday (16 September), the This Morning presenters headed to Westminster Hall to pay their respects to the late monarch.
Advert
But while thousands of people were made to queue for hours to see the coffin, it appeared the pair were allowed to skip the line after being led to a press gallery for a separate viewing.
Following an angry backlash from people online, the presenters denied the claims, and said on today's (20 September) episode of the ITV show that they realise 'it may have looked like something else'.
In a voiceover of a segment on the Queen, Holly explained: "Like accredited broadcasters and journalists, we were given official permission to access the hall.
Advert
"It was strictly for the purpose of reporting on the event for millions of people in the UK who haven't been able to visit Westminster in person.
"The rules were we would be quickly escorted around the edges to a platform at the back.
"In contrast, those paying respects walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin, and were given time to pause.
"None of the broadcasters or journalists there took anyone's place in the queue and no one filed past the Queen.
Advert
"We of course respected those rules, however we realised that it may have looked like something else and therefore totally understand the reaction."
Holly finished by saying: "Please know that we would never jump the queue."
Prior to this, a statement was shared on This Morning's Instagram page which read: "Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something.
Advert
"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’s media to report on the event."
It would make sense for there to be a separate viewing for press, considering the wait time to see the coffin reached 24 hours.
However, that didn't stop people from feeling angry about the whole thing, so much so that more than 15,000 signed a petition to get the pair axed from the show.
The campaign organiser wrote: "ITV should be ashamed of exploiting the situation.
Advert
"I'd like to see This Morning axed for good as I do believe it causes more harm than good, without people noticing."
LADbible has contacted ITV for comment.
Featured Image Credit: ITV/YouTube/BBCTopics: Phillip Schofield, Holly Willoughby, The Queen, This Morning