Piers Morgan has defended Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield over their "queue-jump" controversy.
Piers Morgan defends Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield over 'queue-jump' controversy
The former 'Good Morning Britain' presenter has shot to the 'This Morning' co-hosts' defence after they came under heavy criticism for appearing to "jump the queue" while visiting Westminster Hall as the late Queen Elizabeth was lying in state, which has prompted a petition for the pair to be "axed from TV".
Speaking on his TalkTV show 'Piers Morgan Uncensored', Piers said: "All hell broke loose about this, they have been subject to, I think, a ridiculously over-the-top campaign.
"20,000 people have signed a petition to have them fired. Of course they shouldn't be fired, it's ridiculous.
"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."
At the time of writing, the online petition has been signed by more than 33,000 people.
Piers also admitted Holly has been left "absolutely distraught" by the reaction.
He said: "Full disclosure, I am a good friend with Holly and I feel very sorry, she is absolutely distraught I think about the reaction."
But Phil and Holly defended themselves during yesterday's 'This Morning'.
Holly said: "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 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 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 the queue."
ITV had previously explained that the two stars were at Westminster "in a professional capacity".
The broadcaster said: "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."
Tagged in Holly Willoughby Phillip Schofield Queen Elizabeth