ITV This Morning viewers issue complaints minutes into…

ITV This Morning viewers issue complaints minutes into show amid 'elephant in the room'

This Morning viewers don't appear to have changed their opinions in the 24 hours since Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield were forced to issue an explanation on the ITV daytime show after being accused of 'queue jumping'.

Fans of the hosting duo claimed the pair had skipped past the thousands queuing to see the Queen lie in state last week after they were spotting inside Westminster Hall. Phillip was seen in a smart black suit and tie for the visit, with the presenter sporting a sombre look on his face.

Holly appeared in front of her friend and colleague and at one point was seen looking back with tears filling her eyes. The mum-of-three looked elegant in a black dress with silver button detailing along the front. She tied her long blonde locks back with a black scrunchie and wore a matching black mask.

This Morning hit back at the claims that their presenters skipped the queue, which at its peak reached a 14 hours wait for those wanting to pay their final respects to Queen Elizabeth II following her death, over the weekend.

However, yesterday's show was the first time Holly and Phillip had been back on-screen since. Opening Tuesday's programme, they shared how they would be reflecting on the historic and moving event that was the Queen's funeral which has now been confirmed to have been watched by tens of millions across the country

During the VT, Holly could be heard saying in a voiceover: "Like hundreds of accredited broadcasters and journalists, we were given official permission to access the hall. 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.

Holly and Phillip were back fronting the ITV daytime show (ITV)

"The rules were that 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." She continued: "None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone's place in the queue and no one filed passed the Queen. We, of course, respected those rules, however, we realise that it may have looked like something else and therefore totally understand the reaction."

The explanation was slammed by viewers as a 'non-apology' and a petition to 'axe' the pair from This Morning is continuing to gather pace with more than 37,000 signatures at the time of writing.

However, Holly appeared to concern fans when she returned to the programme on Wednesday with her and Phillip welcoming viewers before teasing what was to come on the show. They were soon getting stuck into their first segment, 'This Morning's View'.

It saw them joined by Vanessa Feltz and Matthew Wright to discuss the latest news headlines. They spoke about reports King Charles III is planning a slimmed-down monarchy after he ascended the throne and that he is planning a 'shorter' and 'less expensive' coronation for next year.

They also spoke about Prime Minister Liz Truss and her plans to help combat the cost of living crisis after she made a trip to New York, her first foreign trip since entering No10, where she was holding a round of diplomatic meetings.

But This Morning viewers couldn't help but complain about the 'elephant in the room'. @Jennybriss tweeted: "#HollyandPhil discussing the headlines. They ARE the headlines! #ThisMorning." @nowimf0llowingu commented: "@thismorning 'Let’s discuss this morning’s headlines…not us though, even though we ARE the headlines' #ThisMorning."

@PU51_RUB posted: "I've literally booked today off for this. Nothing. Not even on the newspaper headlines section. There's a HERD of ELEPHANTS in the room... #ThisMorning." @Josneat added: "So we begin with news that’s making the headlines ……. Ignores the biggest headline of all! #ThisMorning."

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