Phillip Schofield has refused to apologise for the furore that arose around ‘queuegate’, agreeing that he believes he and Holly Willoughby were ‘unfairly targeted’.
Following the Queen’s death, people across the nation rushed to Westminster Hall to queue for hours – some overnight – so they could pay their respects as the late monarch lay in state.
While celebrities including David Beckham, Susanna Reid and Tilda Swinton were spotted joining the masses, This Morning stars Phillip and Holly sparked controversy when they didn’t join the public line, having paid a visit in a work capacity.
Phillip and Holly previously addressed the backlash they received, with the latter saying in a pre-recorded statement: ‘Like hundreds of accredited broadcasters and journalists we were given official permission to access the hall. […] 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.’
GB News recently approached Phillip for further comment, filming the interaction in the street as the This Morning star asked the reporter: ‘Have you really got nothing better to do with your time?’
After remarking that he felt it was a ‘shame’ what happened, the reporter pointed out that some believe he and Holly were ‘unfairly targeted’.
‘I think we were,’ Phillip replied, via MailOnline.
The GB News journalist then asked Phillip if he wanted to apologise, stating: ‘’Cause you’ve never actually owned the situation or apologised.’
‘Why would I apologise?’ the 60-year-old retorted. ‘You’ve already seen that 700 other journalists did exactly the same thing.’
Reiterating that they weren’t allowed to film inside Westminster Hall, he then piped up to add to the reporter: ‘You’re a bit late on the story mate.’
The full statement read by Holly in a voiceover outlined: ‘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 have not 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 respect walked along a carpeted area beside the coffin and were given time to pause.
‘None of the broadcasters and journalists there took anyone’s place in the queue and no one filed past the Queen. 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.’
This Morning previously addressed the visit in a statement posted on Instagram, saying: ‘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.’