Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Phillip Schofield asks ‘where’s our invite’ to Buckingham Palace months after ‘queuegate’ scandal

Comments come amid reports of ‘tension’ between Schofield and Holly Willoughby

Isobel Lewis
Wednesday 17 May 2023 11:34 BST
Comments
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield present This Morning amid feud rumours

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Phillip Schofield unintentionally hinted at the infamous “queuegate” scandal while discussing royal news on This Morning.

In September, Schofield and his co-host Holly Willoughby found themselves at the centre of controversy after they were accused of “skipping the queue” to see the Queen’s lying in state before her funeral. Willoughby and Schofield, along with broadcaster ITV, denied the accusations.

The scandal has resurfaced following reports of “tension” between the presenters on the set of This Morning, with The Independent’s Louis Chilton writing that the pair have been “doomed since queuegate”.

During Wednesday’s episode  (17 May) of the ITV daytime show, the pair discussed the day’s headlines with guest panellists.

While talking about the Princess of Wales revealing that she “had to learn” how to be a royal, Vanessa Feltz told the pair: “I was really lucky yesterday, because I was invited to one of the Buckingham Palace gardens.”

Sounding impressed, Willoughby said that Feltz was “so lucky”.

“Where’s our invite?” Schofield jokingly asked, with the team laughing at his comment and Willoughby moving the conversation along.

According to recent reports, Willoughby and Schofield’s relationship has become strained and they “barely speak” off camera.

Willoughby and Schofield are back on air together this week
Willoughby and Schofield are back on air together this week (ITV)

In a statement shared last week, Schofield acknowleged that “the last few weeks haven’t been easy”.

However, he appeared to dispute claims that the pair no longer speak, saying: “We’re the best of friends – as always, she is an incredible support on screen, behind the scenes and on the phone. Holly has always been there for me, through thick and thin. And I’ve been there for her.”

You can find the full timeline of their alleged fallout here.

Fellow ITV presenter Lorraine Kelly has also spoken about the reported feud between the pair, saying that she thinks it is “unlikely” either Schofield or Willoughby will leave This Morning.

Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free
Apple TV+ logo

Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 days

New subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled

Try for free

“Do you know what? They were back today and it was business as usual and everyone is just getting on with it,” she said.

“I would be sad if they left the show but I don’t think that is ever likely to happen and I think they’re just getting on with it,” Kelly added.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in