Channel 5 will air The Emoji Movie during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral
(Picture: Handout)Channel 5 are showing The Emoji Movie during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, followed by a host of other children’s films including Stuart Little and Ice Age 3.
The historic event, which is expected to become the most watched global broadcast in history with an approximate 4.1billion people tuning in, is taking place today from 11am.
While the BBC, ITV and Sky News will dedicate their airtime to the late monarch, Channel 5 will instead air the 2017 animated flick which features the voice talents of James Corden and Patrick Stewart.
Later, viewers can watch Stuart Little at 12.30, Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs at 13.50 and Sing at 15.20 before the news.
The move makes Channel 5 the only major broadcaster not to be showing something related to the late monarch, who died on September 8 at the age of 96 after a record-breaking reign of more than 70 years.
Social media users were perplexed by the broadcaster’s decision, comparing their schedule to “Christmas Day”.
“Every channel is showing the funeral tomorrow apart from @channel5_tv they’ve got The Emoji Movie, Stuart Little and Ice Age on like it’s Christmas Day,” wrote one.
While some inevitably called the move “disrespectful,” others hailed it as “smart”.
“Actually that’s a smart move. All the kids off school, don’t want to be sat watching the funeral.. so yeah.. a lot of adults too.. enjoy The Emoji Movie people,” wrote one.
“I know it’s not considered appropriate but there’s millions of kids that won’t understand what’s going on. So I understand why channel 5 are playing #EmojiMovie. Just keeps them occupied,” agreed another.
