This Morning's Phillip Schofield silent on queue jump…

This Morning's Phillip Schofield silent on queue jump row as Holly gives pre-recorded denial

Phillip Schofield was noticeably silent on the 'queue jump' allegations surrounding him and Holly Willoughby, leaving it to his co-host to issue a very public denial on This Morning as viewers accused the show of giving 'a non-apology.'

The two presenters have found themselves at the centre of some heated controversy over the last few days, after they were spotted at Westminster Hall by viewers watching the BBC live feed of the Queen lying in state. Noticing they were in a different queue to other mourners, critics accused them of 'pushing in' ahead of members of the public, some of whom had lined up for over 12 hours to filed past Her Majesty's coffin and pay their respects.

The fact that Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid and football star David Beckham had both stood and waited for a long time, along with everyone, fuelled the anger against Holly and Phillip, despite This Morning putting a statement out to say: "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."

Phillip and Holly returned to This Morning for the first time in five days on Tuesday and, as they reflected on the events that followed the Queen's death and show what had happened when they went to Westminster , Holly issued a statement to refute the allegations against them, saying she and Phillip were "given official permission," to access the Hall.

In the statement that played over footage, she added: "The rules were were that we'd be quickly escorted round 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. None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone's place in the queue and no-one of course filed past the Queen."

Holly assured viewers: "Please know that we would never jump a queue," but what was highly noticeable was that none of the statement was read out by Phillip and in the moments that followed he didn't add anything to what Holly offered.

After seeing what Phillip and Holly had filmed after being given access to Westminster Hall, one viewer tweeted: " @thismorning please note that @hollywills and @Schofe being present at the Lying in State added nothing to media coverage. However, @susannareid100 was able to share the true experience from start to finish, and not that of a privileged tv presenter. Shame on them."

And impressed with the statement in response to the accusations, another complained: "I switched off immediately after that pathetic non-apology and I'll not be watching it again when those 2 are hosting. I'd rather watch Rochelle & Dermot!"

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