ITV’s This Morning has insisted its presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby did not ‘jump the queue’ during their visit to the Queen’s lying-in-state.
It comes as the pair faced criticism from social media users after they appeared inside Westminster Hall on Friday without having taken part in the public queue.
Now programme bosses have shared a statement on the shows Instagram’s account, stating that the hosting duo had attended to film a segment due to air during Tuesday’s show.
Saying: “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’s media to report on the event.”
The social media backlash towards the pair came after other famous faces were seen waiting in the line.
Including ex-footballer David Beckham who queued for 13 hours and Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid who queued for seven hours and 20 minutes to pay their respects.
Westminster Hall first opened its doors to the public on Wednesday as they paid their respect to the Queen, but has seen some media and MPs being able to bypass the queue
In the days since the opening the queue has swelled in size and at one time reached a wait time of “at least 24 hours” before dropping.
The lying in state is also being broadcast live and 24/7 by a number of broadcasters including the BBC and Sky News.
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