Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have been denied ‘VIP access’ by This Morning bosses.  Image: BBC

TV presenters Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby “didn’t skip the queue” to lie in state for Queen Elizabeth II, ITV said. The couple have been bombarded with criticism on social media after appearing at Westminster Hall without queuing. The presenters lined up separately for the thousands of mourners who waited hours to see the Queen’s coffin. Mourners queuing included David Beckham who waited with the public for 12 hours and fellow TV presenter Susanna Reid who waited more than seven hours with her mum. Read more: Line up last full day – with 12-hour wait – before minutes of silence at 8pm Read more: Kate and Camilla show off new royal partnership during special lunch for grieving Commonwealth dignitaries ITV defended the couple in a statement, saying they were there working as part of a film for Tuesday’s program the day after the funeral. ITV said: “Hi everyone, we’d like to clarify something. We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme. “They didn’t jump the queue, have VIP access or testify before the Queen lying in state – but they were there in a professional capacity as part of the world media to cover the event.” MPs and some media managed to skip the line. One person responded to ITV’s explanation: “Rubbish. I watched them live file past. “The media of the world is out. There is a coffin inside that is in state. What were they doing inside? They are not journalists. They present the show. They abused their position and the tail jumped.” One person in line posted a photo of the presenters and wrote: “This is a photo taken by my sister’s husband yesterday after he had queued with my sister, their 10-year-old daughter and my disabled mother for 13 + hours, Mum kicked off @hollywills & @Schofe way so they could #queuejumper without so much as a thank you #schofieldgate #queuejumping.” Others said it was a “PR disaster” for the couple. David Beckham drew praise for the queue along with members of the public. The 48-year-old was emotional as he entered Westminster Hall to pay his respects after hours of queuing. He later told ITV News he had been there since 2am waiting to get in. Speaking after the screening, Beckham said: “It’s emotional for everyone involved.”