ITV show This Morning has insisted its presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby did not “jump the queue” for Queen Elizabeth II’s lying in state.
The pair have received criticism on social media after they appeared inside Westminster Hall without having taken part in the queue.
TheThis Morning presenters Willoughby and Schofield queued in a separate line to the thousands of mourners who waited hours to view the Queen lying in state in the ancient hall.
Taking to Instagram on Saturday evening (17 September), the broadcaster rushed to the defence of the pair, insisting that they had in fact been at the event in a “professional capacity”, for which they were granted VIP access to report upon.
A statement on the programme’s social media account said: “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 statement added.
In a separate statement to The Independent, an ITV spokesperson said: “This Morning had press accreditation and like other media, Phillip and Holly were escorted to work from the press gallery by government staff. They did not file past the Queen’s coffin.
“They were there alongside a host of other broadcasters and national press outlets for an item that will be broadcast on Tuesday’s show. Any allegations of improper behaviour are categorically untrue.”
Some media and MPs have been able to bypass the queue and access Westminster Hall since its doors opened to the public on Wednesday.
The lying in state is also being broadcast live and 24/7 by a number of broadcasters including the BBC and Sky News.
Other famous faces have also paid their respects to the Queen ahead of her funeral.
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid said she had queued for seven hours and 20 minutes to see the lying in state.
And David Beckham won praise after he joined the queue at 2am on Friday, waiting 12 hours with the public before he reached the coffin.
Speaking after the viewing, Beckham said: “It is emotional for everybody involved.”
