ITV bosses ‘fear Holly Willoughby could leave this morning’ after the presenter thought Queuegate’s backlash was ‘manhandled’.
ITV bosses are reportedly fearing Holly Willoughby ‘could leave this morning’ after the presenter thought ‘queuing backlash’ was ‘manhandled’.
The 42-year-old TV personality and her co-host Philip Schofield came under fire last year when they were accused of having “VIP access” to submit “past the in-state Queen” and skip the line, a claim the Stars and ITV have both denied.
According to the new report, Holly was “devastated” by the public reception and the “channel’s decision to remain silent.”
As a result, The Mirror confirms ITV lack the “confidence” they previously had in relation to Holly’s contract, which expires in December.
The station is said to be working on a “shock package” for the presenter to keep her with the station.
Oh dear: ITV bosses are reportedly fearing Holly Willoughby ‘might leave this morning’ after the presenter thought ‘queuing backlash’ was ‘manhandled’
A source told the publication: “The Queuegate backlash was absolutely devastating for Holly, but what made matters worse was the feeling that she was being mistreated.
“ITV’s decision to remain silent before finally issuing a statement was frustrating as it felt like they were closing the door after the horse bolted.
“The bosses know that the last year has been incredibly tough for them and as a result they are not approaching their contract negotiations with the same confidence as before.”
Web have reached out to representatives from ITV and Holly Willoughby for comment.
In September, This Morning bosses denied the show’s presenters Holly and Phillip “VIP access” and filed “past the queen in state” while filming a segment for the program at Westminster Hall in London.
The presenters cut somber figures as they dressed in black and visited the Queen’s coffin to film for the upcoming episode, which was due to air the day after the late monarch’s state funeral.
The five-mile line had reportedly been closed for six hours, bringing the wait to “at least 14 hours”. The TV duo are said to have joined a separate queue and been taken to a press gallery.
ITV bosses released a statement on Instagram denying the couple had received any special treatment: “Hi everyone, we would like to clarify something. We asked Phillip and Holly to be part of a film for this Tuesday’s program,” it said.
Queue: According to the new report, Holly was “devastated” by the public reception and the “channel’s decision to remain silent”.
“They did not queue, have VIP access or walk past the Queen in state – but were instead there in a professional capacity as part of the world media to cover the event.”
An ITV spokesman added in a statement to Web: “This morning had press accreditation and like other media, Phillip and Holly were escorted to work from the press gallery by government officials.
“You didn’t get past the Queen’s coffin. They were there along with a host of other broadcasters and national press offices for a segment that will air on Tuesday’s show. Any allegations of improper conduct are categorically false.’
A source told Web: “They weren’t able to pay their respects to the Queen in the same way as the public queues, but they were filming in an area reserved for the press.”
Explanation: They filmed a segment for the program at Westminster Hall in London with reports emerging that they had cut queues and been given special treatment