This Morning viewers have been left unimpressed at the “awkward” discussion of guest Paul Burrell’s fee to appear on the daily programme.
The ex-royal butler, who now runs a florist’s shop in Cheshire, appeared on the show days after it was reported he is to marry his partner, Graham Cooper.
The 58-year-old former reality TV star said he “never expected this story to come out quite so quickly” and told hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby that he is now concerned about the privacy and security around his upcoming nuptials.
Paul said: “The one thing that’s worrying me about getting married in a couple of weeks is the security of it, because now everybody knows where it’s going to be, when it’s going to be.
“What do I do about that? I have to control that as well. I need security around it. If that comes at a cost then it’ll come at a cost.”
Phillip said: “Security wouldn’t be that expensive, would it? We’ve paid you for this interview.”
Paul said the security to cover his wedding would cost “£20,000 to £30,000″, to which Phillip replied: “Nearly what we paid you.”
Paul joked that he “might hold you to that”, Phillip added: “You don’t need a magazine deal.
“We’ve bought your security.”
Fans were divided over the exchange regarding Paul’s payment for the interview and took to Twitter to share their thoughts.
One viewer wrote: “A bit awkward hearing Paul Burrell, Phil and Holly discussing the fee that he will be paid for that interview.”
Another wrote that Phillip should reveal his own pay, writing: “#Thismorning you wouldn’t say he’s gay but you will broadcast his fee? Let’s hear how much you are paid Phillip?”
EXCLUSIVE: Paul Burrell says he suspects his wife knew the truth about his sexuality. Watch in full: https://t.co/TjWe6uBJue pic.twitter.com/dQ3at7jUbl
— This Morning (@thismorning) March 13, 2017
But others praised Phillip for pointing out that Paul was being paid for his appearance on the show.One viewer said: “This @PaulBurrellRVM interview leaves a very bad taste in my mouth #ThisMorning. Paul Burrell cashing in again. Good on @Schofe mention.”Another wrote: “Paul Burrell getting £30,000 to go on #ThisMorning & talk about wanting privacy is the biggest contradiction in the world. No one cares.”One viewer suggested that Phillip was joking about the fee, writing: “Think Phil was being sarky abt the fee paying4 burrels security!! Course he ain’t getting £20-30k!! (sic).”
A bit awkward hearing Paul Burrell, Phil and Holly discussing the fee that he will be paid for that interview #ThisMorning
— Christopher Wood (@ChrisJW1987) March 13, 2017
#Thismorning you wouldn't say he's gay but you will broadcast his fee? Let's hear how much you are paid Phillip?
— Wayne Broomhead (@Dingybatt) March 13, 2017
This @PaulBurrellRVM interview leaves a very bad taste in my mouth #ThisMorning Paul Burrell cashing in again. Good on @Schofe mention ??
— JB (@jonathaan76) March 13, 2017
Paul Burrell getting £30,000 to go on #ThisMorning & talk about wanting privacy is the biggest contradiction in the world. No one cares.
— Daniel O'Reilly (@dapperlaughs) March 13, 2017
I think Phil was being sarky abt the fee paying4 burrels security!! Course he ain't getting £20-30k!! ??????#ThisMorning
— I, Claudia (@Claudia06308862) March 13, 2017
Paul was known for being a trusted confidant of Diana, Princess of Wales, until her death in 1997.
She once referred to him as “my rock” and left him £50,000 in her will.
Following her fatal car accident in a Parisian tunnel, Paul penned a number of tell-all books about life within the royal household.
A string of reality TV appearances followed, including stints on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! and Celebrity Big Brother.
Last year, Paul separated from Maria, his wife of more than 30 years with whom he has two sons.