Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield wanted to issue a public apology following the backlash over ‘queue-gate’ but ITV urged them not, it has been reported.
Last week, the This Morning presenters sparked outrage for appearing to bypass the 12-hour long queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II and instead walked through Westminster Hall via VIP access.
During Tuesday’s visit to the ITV studios, the presenting duo aired their highly-controversial royal coverage where the dynamic duo broke their silence following the royal scandal for the first time.
READ MORE: Holly Willoughby hits back at Mel C in awkward moment after knickers accusation
A source close to the flagship channel has since revealed to MailOnline that both Holly and Phil were desperate to apologise for the misunderstanding but were strongly advised by their legal team to hold off.
The insider told the publication: “Every word of the statement was poured over. In the end, it’s spectacularly backfired.
“Initially Holly and Phillip were prepared to say sorry if they’d upset anyone as they both just desperately want to draw a line under the affair. But they were advised strongly not to go down that road of saying sorry.”
Daily Star have contacted ITV for a further comment.
It comes after a petition to have the pair removed from their lucrative presenting roles on the ITV daytime show removed soared in popularity with more than 50,000 signatures achieved.
During Tuesday’s broadcast, viewers were left up in arms after neither presenter apologised for their actions in the lengthy statement they shared.
Holly explained: “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 haven’t 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 respects walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause.”
The mum-of-three continued: “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,” she emphasised.
Telly bosses continue to stand by the presenters who have faced a wave of backlash online, as the channel raised “real and serious” concerns about their welfare following the “relentless” trolls.
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