Phillip Schofield issued warning to bosses before Queuegate backlash

Phillip Schofield and faced intense backlash after appearing to skip the queue when paying their respects to the late Queen.

In 2022, the former presenters visited Westminster Hall to pay their final respects to the late monarch. However, while the public - and - waited for hours in line for their turn, and Willoughby appeared to get special treatment and head to the front of the line.

In what became known as , the presenters were highly criticised for their actions. However, Schofield says he had warned such a backlash might happen, and is said to have made his thoughts known.

Speaking to The , a pal claimed the star had aired concerns at the time about airing the segment saying that the move would open them up to criticism. "He made it quite clear in no uncertain terms that it was a bad idea and would be interpreted the wrong way," they said.

Shortly after the incident,while speaking on Dan Wootton's Tonight programme on GB News from his home. While he didn't apologise, he added "700 other journalists did exactly the same thing" and said he thought himself and Willoughby had been unfairly targeted.

Willoughby later gave a statement live on This Morning to confirm the duo had been given ""official permission" to enter the hall. She said: "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.

"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."

also released a statement at the time, 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."

Schofield's friend for now going on national TV and airing his grievances, saying he was well within his rights to do so. "So much Phillip needed to get off his chest on Cast Away appears to be justified and was not the ‘poor me’ it was accused of,” the friend added.

"He couldn’t have been more remorseful of his mistake and addressed that numerous times, but did he deserve that trip under the bus? He has been pleased by the reaction and just wants people to make their own minds up by watching all three episodes."

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