ITV's This Morning have released a statement to clarify that Holly Willoughby and Philip Schofield did not "jump the queue" to the visit the Queen's coffin lying in state amid a relentless backlash.
The pair have received torrents of abuse online with calls to be sacked, which have worsened since David Beckham and Susanna Reid were spotted waiting in line to pay their respects.
This Morning have come forward to declare both Holly and Philip were working at the time and to halt any more unfounded abuse, the Mirror reports.
In a statement released on Instagram, the daytime TV show wrote: "Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something. We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s programme
“They did not jump the queue, have VIP access or file past the Queen lying in state – but instead were there in a professional capacity as part of the world’s media to report on the event.”
This Morning hosts Holly and Phil both donned all black ensembles as they prepared to film a segment for Tuesday's episode of ITV morning show from the historic London establishment.
Holly, 41, also wore a face mask as she walked in front of her co-host Phillip, 60, before the pair paid their respects to Her Majesty who is lying in state at Westminster Hall following her death on September 8.
In the absence of This Morning being on air on Friday, Holly and Phillip united to pay their respects using a separate entrance for journalists.
They made their way into the historic building to view the late monarch's coffin which is being seen by the public 24/7 until early Monday morning before her state funeral.
Phillip, 60, was seen on the BBC News live stream of Westminster Hall at around 10am. He opted to wear a smart black suit and tie for the visit, with a serious look on his face as he followed behind his co-star.
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