This Morning presenters Phillip Schofield, 60, and Holly Willoughby, 41, sparked outrage after they were seen being escorted to a separate area from the regular queue of mourners. On Tuesday, they denied they pushed in and told viewers they were given press accreditation to film a segment for the show.
Following the drama, an alleged source has claimed the hosts are “furious” with the backlash.
“You can cut the atmosphere with a knife backstage,” they told The Sun.
“Phillip and Holly are furious about the backlash they’re getting and are blaming everyone else for what’s happened.
“The mood is awful behind the scenes and this isn’t going away. Everyone hopes it blows over soon.”
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“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.”
Holly continued: “We, of course, respected those rules, however, we realise it may have looked like something else and therefore totally understand the reaction. Please know, we would never jump a queue.”
This Morning also defended the pair on their Instagram page denying they received any special treatment.
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At the height of the backlash, many were calling for the pair to be axed from the show, which they’ve been presenting together since 2009.
Others supported the duo including Piers Morgan who said the situation was a “ridiculously over-the-top campaign”.
He added: “20,000 people have signed a petition to have them fired. Of course they shouldn’t be fired, it’s ridiculous.”
Piers continued: “It may have been a misjudgement.
“I said myself on this show, I don’t think anyone should have been jumping the queue full stop, whoever you are, unless you are a world leader and there is a time issue.”
He went on to say Holly would be “distraught” by the negative reaction.
Other celebrities spotted in the queue included Tilda Swinton, Susanna Reid and David Beckham.
The Queen died aged 96 on September 8 after being under medical supervision.
This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV.
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