This Morning viewers have accused the show of “using” Alison Hammond to distract from the “queue-jumping” scandal.
Since video footage of Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield appearing to “jump the queue” at Westminster Hall emerged, the popular TV presenters have been blasted on social media.
The duo have faced calls for them to be axed, and a petition was created that’s achieved over 50,000 signatures.
As they returned to work on Monday (September 26), they were also joined by beloved presenter Alison.
This Morning bosses decided to celebrate Alison’s two decades on the show by surprising her live on-air.
A video of the moment was also shared on the ITV show’s Twitter account.
The caption read: “She may have thought it was a normal Dosh day… but the surprise was on @AlisonHammond today! Happy 20th anniversary Alison!”
This Morning viewers accuse show of ‘using’ Alison Hammond
However, while plenty of viewers were happy to see Alison being celebrated, others felt there was an ulterior motive.
Some ITV viewers suggested the show was busy trying to distract them from Holly and Phil’s “queue-jumping” scandal.
She may have thought it was a normal Dosh day… but the surprise was on @AlisonHammond today!
Happy 20th anniversary Alison!#ThisMorning #HappyAnniversaryAlison pic.twitter.com/V0QHVUlWBX
— This Morning (@thismorning) September 26, 2022
“Just forget about our queue jumping skills – concentrate on the funny, please concentrate on the funny,” commented one viewer.
A second fan said: “What can we do to take the focus of attention away from us? We’ll dedicate the whole show to Alison.”
“I wonder who came up with this bit of deflection #ThisMorning,” joked a third.
A fourth tweeted: “They’ve done this to try and distract us from these two [bleep]heads #thismorning.”
“Poor Alison being used as the cannon fodder….#ThisMorning,” claimed another viewer.
A sixth commenter tweeted: “Alison deserves a freaking gold medal for having to spend 13 of her 20 years on #ThisMorning putting up with those two.”
However, others celebrated the pure joy in the segment.
“#ThisMorning bringing me so much joy right now.
“Enjoy it all Alison and thank you for sharing your infectious smile and laugh with us for two decades. Congratulations!!” said another of Alison’s fans.
Backlash intensifies
Last week, some viewers voiced their concerns for Holly after Tuesday’s show, with some claiming she looked “on the verge of tears”.
Elsewhere, ITV has remained firmly by the duo’s side throughout the backlash.
A spokeswoman for the broadcaster stated: “This Morning has press accreditation and like other media, Philip and Holly were escorted to work from the press gallery by government staff. They did not file past the Queen’s coffin.
“They were there alongside a host of other broadcasters and national press outlets for an item that was broadcast on Tuesday’s show. Any allegations of improper behaviour are categorically untrue.”
Read more: Holly Willoughby breaks social media silence following ‘queue-jumping’ scandal
This Morning airs on weekdays from 10am on ITV and ITV Hub.
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