ITV has been branded 'disrespectful' by viewers for failing to change its programming in response to the concerning news about The Queen's health, before it did take action after her death was announced.
News was broken about Her Majesty being under 'medical supervision' shortly after 12.30pm a statement came in from Buckingham Palace which read: "Following further evaluation this morning, The Queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.
"The Queen remains comfortable and at Balmoral."
The BBC reacted with urgency to the announcement, cutting it into an episode of Bargain Hunt to switch to a news special as as the strap line 'HM Queen Elizabeth's Health' appeared on screen' above the words 'The Queen is under medical supervision at Balmoral.'
READ MORE: The Queen's health: Live updates as doctors raise concerns
Shows like Doctors and Money for Nothing went the same way as Bargain Hunt as the afternoon went on, with the schedule cleared for live updates until the 6pm News at least as presenter Huw Edwards anchored the rolling coverage. However, it was a completely different story on ITV. The news about The Queen's health arrived just as Loose Women started and, not only did the show stay on air for its hour long broadcast, host Charlene White failed to mention the situation at all.
It was addressed on the lunchtime news, which followed Loose Women but, after national and regional bulletins, ITV returned to its planned schedule with Dickinson's Real Deal, Tenable, Tipping Point and The Chase all going out as planned.
While some viewers were happy that ITV hadn't followed the BBC's lead, others were far from impressed. Taking to Twitter, as Loose Women aired, one blasted: "@ITV rather disrespectful that the country is hearing about the Queen and your showing loose women! Interruption for breaking news like this should be priority!"
Echoing those sentiments, another tweeted: "I see @ITV are still continuing with their programmes. How disrespectful," with a third writing: "I’m surprised #ITV aren’t covering & providing viewers with what is happening to our queen. I have to applaud the #BBC for their coverage. I think @thehuwedwards & the rest of the BBC team are doing a splendid job."
ITV was airing a live news broadcast when news of The Queen's passing came in, with host Julie Etchingham delivering the statement from Buckingham Palace, before shows like Emmerdale were promptly axed.
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