This Morning fans were left divided over Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield's pre-recorded apology over the queue drama.
The pair appeared on the ITV show today for the first time since they were falsely accused of jumping the queue at the Queen's lying in state. They insisted they would never "jump the queue" and were there as accredited journalists and didn't take anyone's place.
Speaking today's episode of This Morning, Holly said: "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 have not been able to visit Westminster in person.
"The rules were that we would be quickly escorted around the edges to a platform at the back. In contrast, those paying respect walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause.
She added: "None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone’s place in the queue and no one filed past 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. Please know that we would never jump a queue."
However, viewers appeared to be divided by their comment, with some insisting it wasn't an "apology".
" @thismorning you had one job this morning that was to issue a full and frank apology not only to your viewers but to you’re presenters too! Absolute fail and made things worse! You need to try again and sharpish!! #ThisMorning," one viewer penned.
A second added: "Look Phil & Holly. Yes, you are as upset as the rest of us about the Queens passing. But why didn't you open the show with an apology for what you did before showing the montage? You didn't break any rules but surely you can both see how it looked? Another blunder. #ThisMorning," whilst a third shared: "I was hoping for an apology. I actually liked the show. You may have actually redeemed yourselves had you done so. I think treating your audience like we are the peanut gallery will be your downfall."
"So Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby refuse to do a live apology on #ThisMorning instead they used the old excuse 'we were there as journalists' just shows they have no respect for their viewers or any of the British public," a fourth added.
A fifth wrote: "No apology from the queue jumpers, just a pre-recorded voiceover with excuses, no need for them to be there as interviews were outside. Can’t stand their smugness. Completely missed the peoples anger, should apologise on air."
Others said they were multiple people who 'skipped' the queue, and they should be feeling the furore too.
"Why aren’t all the others who were taken in a separate entrance getting s*** thrown at them? Seems Holly and Phil have helped distract from a large number of MP’s who got to skip the queue. MP’s who queue jumped whilst their staff had to wait #ThisMorning #queuejumping #MPs," one wrote, whilst another defended the pair and added: "Phil and Holly's reasoning as #queuejumpers is fair. Press accreditation as journalists is understandable. The exaggerated #ThisMorning furore is amusing."
A third insisted they'd still be tuning into the show, as they commented: "Just to confirm - I still want to watch Phil & Holly on #ThisMorning Lots of others channels for people to switch too if they feel it’s necessary."
