Piers Morgan has defended Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield for “skipping the queue” to visit Queen Elizabeth II’s coffin.
The popular presenters faced major backlash when they were spotted in a separate line to the thousands of mourners who waited hours to view the late British monarch lying in state in Westminster Hall on Friday.
Social media users slammed the pair for not waiting in the main queue like other celebrities, such as David Beckham and Susanna Reid.
A petition to have Holly and Phil fired from This Morning passed 20,000 signatures as it made the rounds on social media.
Discussing the controversial matter, Piers explained that his “good friend” Holly was “distraught” over the backlash they are facing.
“All hell broke loose about this, they have been subject to, I think, a ridiculously over-the-top campaign,” the broadcaster said.
Piers continued: “20,000 people have signed a petition to have them fired. Of course they shouldn’t be fired, it’s ridiculous.”
“It may have been a misjudgement. I said myself on this show, I don’t think anyone should have been jumping the queue full stop, whoever you are, unless you are a world leader and there is a time issue.”
The TV pairing addressed the backlash on Tuesday’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 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 41-year-old added.
“None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone’s place in the queue and no one filed passed 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.”
After playing this clip of Holly, Piers added: “Full disclosure, I am a good friend with Holly and I feel very sorry, she is absolutely distraught I think about the reaction.”
