ITV bosses ‘concerned’ Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield could be booed at NTAS

Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield have been subject to a tirade of backlash since they 'skipped the queue' to visit the Queen lying in state.

Following the public outrage, a petition to have the two sacked from their jobs as hosts on This Morning has received over 70,000 signatures.

And amid the ongoing backlash, ITV bosses are said to have a "major concern" that the presenters will be booed at the forthcoming National Television awards ceremony.

"They could be booed walking down the red carpet or even on stage. It’s a major concern," a source told The Sun.

Phil and Holly have denied accusations of jumping the queue to see The Queen lying-in-state, which saw thousands of mourners wait for hours to say their last goodbyes to our late monarch. They insisted they were at Westminster Hall strictly for the purpose of reporting and were given "official permission."

During a segment on This Morning on Tuesday's show, Holly told viewers: "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 besides 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 a queue!"

However this statement did little to calm the backlash, as signatures for the petition continued to rise as the week has gone on.

Other celebrities have also made swipes at the presenting duo, including former This Morning presenter Eamonn Holmes.

Speaking on GB news, he said: “They didn’t get a fast-track, they say. Lie. They say they didn’t pay their respects to the body. Lie.

“What else were they there for? Let’s just tell the truth about the whole thing.”

Meanwhile, Holly's pal Piers Morgan has spoken out in defence, insisting: "Of course they shouldn't be fired – it's ridiculous!"

OK! has been to representatives for Holly, Phil and ITV for comment 

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