This Morning has issued a statement to defend hosts Holly Willoughy and Phillip Schofield.
The presenters regularly front ITV's flagship daytime programme from Monday - Thursday. Holly and Phil hosted a series of shows in tribute to Elizabeth II this week after Her Majesty died on September 8.
They confirmed This Morning would not be broadcast last Friday and would return for a special episode this Tuesday, which would reflect on the the former monarch's funeral. The state funeral is set to take place on Monday and thousands have queued to pay their respects as her coffin currently lies in state at Westminster Hall.
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Holly and Phil were criticised when they were spotted at the historic building on Friday. People took to Twitter to criticise the presenters for jumping the queue.
Sally said: "Absolutely appalling that Holly and Phil see themselves as too grand to queue."
Ida commented: "David Beckham in the queue for over 10 hours paying his respects to The Queen while Holly and Phil saunter in, skipping…"
Carol posted: "It's just a shame that Phil and holly didn't queue which is disgusting."
However, This Morning has taken to Instagram to clarify that the hosts did not skip the queue and were there in a "professional capacity." It 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."
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