Huw Edwards in subtle dig at Holly and Phillip’s ‘queue jump’

Queen: Huw Edwards makes dig at those who queue jump

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Following the tragic death of Queen Elizabeth II, thousands of people including celebrities have queued to see the monarch’s coffin lying-in-state. This Morning hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield sparked a backlash online when it appeared as though they had “queue jumped” to see the Queen. BBC presenter appeared to make a jibe at the pair as he praised David Beckham who waited for hours in the queue with members of the public.

Since Wednesday, thousands have waited in queues for up to 14 hours to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth II at Westminster Abbey. 

People have travelled from across the world and waited through the night to visit the monarch’s coffin ahead of her funeral. 

Famous faces including actress Tilda Swinton, presenter Susanna Reid and former X-Factor judge Sharon Osbourne also joined the queue. 

This Morning hosts Holly and Phillip also paid their respects but faced backlash from the public for “jumping the queue”.

Commenting on the appearances of celebrities in the queue, Huw jibed: “Well there have been quite a few familiar faces in the queue for that lying in state at Westminster Hall. 

“We did of course see a certain David Beckham there on Friday, he was widely praised for having queued hours and hours, not jumping the queue because he’s a superstar VIP.”

Huw added: “No, he was in the queue for many hours and good for him.”

The broadcaster continued: “Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury his office in Lambeth palace, just across the bridge there and he went over the chat to lots of people who were waiting their turn.

“The Archbishop will be a key figure at tomorrow’s funeral.”

After footage of Holly and Phillip was shown on the BBC live stream, many took to Twitter to share their anger.

Thousands called for their termination from This Morning and signed a petition which has reached over 3000 signatures. 

Despite the backlash on social media, ITV released a statement and explained why the duo were at Westminster. 

The statement read: “Hello everyone, we would like to clarify something.

“We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for Tuesday’s programme.

“They did not jump the queue, or 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.”

A spokesperson from ITV confirmed to Express.co.uk: “This Morning had press accreditation and like other media, Phillip and Holly were escorted to work from the press gallery by government staff. 

“They did not file past The Queen’s coffin. 

“They were there alongside a host of other broadcasters and national press outlets for an item that will be broadcast on Tuesday’s show. 

“Any allegations of improper behaviour are categorically untrue.”

The Queen’s funeral will be broadcast worldwide on Monday, September 19 at 11am.

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