Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby address 'queue-jumping' allegations
This Morning hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have denied skipping the queue to see Queen Elizabeth II lying in state.
Last week, footage was posted online showing the TV presenters entering Westminster Hall in London via the press line and proceeding to walk past the late monarch's coffin.
Backlash soon erupted online, with fans questioning why Phillip and Holly didn't have to stand in the queue, which had a maximum waiting time of 24 hours, when celebrities such as David Beckham and Tilda Swinton waited their turn.
As part of a pre-recorded segment that aired on This Morning on Tuesday, the pair addressed the allegations while taking viewers through a montage of the events that unfolded following The Queen's death at the age of 96 on 8 September.
"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 U.K. who haven't been able to visit Westminster in person," said Holly in a voiceover. "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. 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 it may have looked like something else and, therefore, totally understand the reaction. Please know that we would never jump a queue."
On Sunday, a representative for This Morning also insisted that the pair didn't queue jump.
"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," they commented.
