The couple have come under fire on social media after appearing at Westminster Hall without queuing. Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby have attracted criticism on social media (ITV) The This Morning presenters Willoughby and Schofield queued in a separate queue for the thousands of mourners who waited hours to see the Queen lie in state in the ancient hall. Earlier on Saturday, a source told MailOnline: “They didn’t get to pay their respects to the Queen in the same way as members of the public did in the queue, but they did go back to a section reserved for the press.” However, taking to Instagram on Saturday night, the broadcaster was quick to defend the pair, insisting they were in fact at the event in a “professional capacity”, which they were given VIP access to report on. A statement on the program’s social media account said: “Hi everyone, we would like to clarify something. We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme. David Beckham won praise for queuing like everyone else (AFP via Getty Images) “They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or testify before the Queen lay in state – but were there in a professional capacity as part of the world media to cover the event,” the statement added. Some media and MPs have been able to skip the line and gain access to Westminster Hall since its doors opened to the public on Wednesday. “Light in State” is also broadcast live and 24/7 by various broadcasters, including the BBC and Sky News. The Prince of Wales met members of the public in the queue on Saturday (PA wire) Other famous people have also paid their respects to the Queen ahead of her funeral. Good Morning Britain presenter Susanna Reid said she queued for seven hours and 20 minutes to see him lying in state. And David Beckham won praise after queuing at 2am on Friday, waiting 12 hours with the public before reaching the coffin. Speaking after the screening, Beckham said: “It’s emotional for everyone involved.”
