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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Victoria Johns

Holly Willoughby 'hit hard' by reaction after Queuegate and 'can't look at social media'

Holly Willoughby has been "hit hard" by the public's reaction to 'Queuegate' and 'can't bare to look at social media', according to reports.

The presenter, 41, and her This Morning co-host Phillip Schofield, 60, were falsely accused of jumping the queue to see the Queen lying in state last week.

A staggering 75,000 people have now signed a petition to remove the pair from their jobs on ITV, however the broadcaster issued a statement saying the presenters 'did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen' and were there purely for work reasons.

But Holly has faced a barrage of criticism online.

A source said to be close to the mum-of-three claimed: "Holly's had one of the worst weeks ever. There's so much hatred directed at her right now and she can't even bring herself to look at social media to see what people are saying.

Holly Willoughby is said to be have been 'shocked' by the public's reaction to 'Queuegate' (ITV)

"Holly's used to having this perfect reputation. She's been hit really hard by all this hostility and anger," reports Heat magazine.

The Mirror has contacted Holly's reps for comment.

The seasoned presenter caused widespread controversy after being accused of jumping the hours-long line to see the Queen lying in state earlier this month.

She and Phil were slammed on social media after footage emerged of the pals paying their respects at Westminster Abbey.

She and Phil have faced a barrage of criticism online (ITV)

However, Holly quickly tried to clarify what had happened.

Speaking in a pre-recorded voice-over as the now-infamous footage was aired for ITV viewers, she 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.

"None of the broadcasters and journalists took anyone's places in the queue and no one filed past the Queen.

"We of course respected those rules however we realised that it may have looked like something else and therefore we totally understand the reaction.

"Please know that we would never jump a queue."

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