Phillip Schofield and Holly pay their respects to the Queen
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This Morning stars Phillip Schofield, 60, and Holly Willoughby, 41, were accused of skipping the queue to see the Queen’s coffin due to their celebrity status yesterday. Following backlash, a show spokesperson has now addressed why the pair were escorted to a different area, denying that they had any special treatment as social media users implied.
On Instagram, the show wrote in view of their 2.5 million followers: “Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something.
“We asked Phillip and Holly to be a 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 pair were at the centre of criticism after the likes of Susanna Reid, Tilda Swinton and David Beckham were seen queueing amongst other mourners for hours.
On social media, The Chase’s Mark Labbett retweeted a meme which turned Phillip’s WeBuyAnyCar.com advert into WeSkipAnyQueue.com.
The presenter has been the face of the brand since 2019 and features in their adverts.
A Twitter account with the name Crystal Loves Cat shared the meme online today, alongside the caption: “#QueueForTheQueen #queuejumping #queuejump – not done himself any favours today.”
Others backed the duo after it was acknowledged that they were there for work purposes.
A source told Mail Online of Phil and Holly: “They did not get to pay their respects to the Queen in the same way as queueing members of the public but they filmed in a section put aside for press.”
“This Morning’s Friday show has been cancelled in favour of rolling ITV news coverage in the lead-up to the Queen’s state funeral.
“The programme will be back on screens on Tuesday.”
Some media and MPs have been granted special access to the venue since its doors opened to the public on Wednesday.
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The Queen died aged 96 at Balmoral surrounded by her loved ones last week.
Her state funeral will take place on Monday from 11am.
Last week, the ITV show dedicated their episodes to the late royal.
Holly revealed that she took her three children; Chester, Belle and Harry to lay flowers for the late monarch in London.
The presenter shared a picture of the trio looking at the flood of gifts along with other members of the public.
In view of her eight million followers, she wrote: “Time to reflect and pay our respects… the children wrote the most beautiful words.”
On their return to the programme on Tuesday, they will reflect on the funeral.
This Morning continues Tuesday at 10am on ITV.
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