This Morning producers are said to be concerned that Holly Willoughby could be pushed to quit the show following allegations she and Phillip Schofield queue jumped to see the Queen lying in state.
Willoughby and Schofield sparked backlash after were pictured inside Westminster Hall on Friday to pay their respects without having taken part in the extremely lengthy public queue.
However, the pair insisted they didn’t skip ahead during a statement on the ITV show, adding that they followed the rules set out for broadcasters and journalists.
It has since been reported that there are fears Willoughby, who has been crying over the situation, could quit This Morning over the criticism.
‘Holly, in particular, has been left totally distraught by this,’ an insider said. ‘She’s been in floods of tears at some of the things she’s been called and of the behaviour she’s been accused of.
‘She’d never jump a queue or behave in that way and is heartbroken that people think she would.’
The source added to Mail Online: ‘Producers and staff at This Morning are rallying round. They are a close knit team but there is a concern at how it has impacted Holly and has left many wondering if it’s pushed her close to the exit.’
Willoughby and Schofield clarified claims of queue jumping during Tuesday’s episode of This Morning, stressing they did not take anyone’s place.
‘The rules were that we would be quickly escorted around the edges to a platform at the back,’ Willoughby explained.
‘In contrast, those paying their respects walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause.
‘None of the journalists and broadcasters there took anyone’s place in the queue and no one filed past the Queen.’
She continued: ‘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 the photographs emerged, a petition was launched calling for Willoughby and Schofield to be axed from television. At the time of writing, over 17,000 people have signed it.
Celebrities too, including Huw Edwards and Eamonn Holmes, have also criticised the pair for alleged queue jumping.
This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV.
