Joe Thomas, the actor famed for his role as Simon Cooper in the beloved sitcomThe Inbetweeners, has publicly questioned the motives behind Sir David Beckham’s decision to join the public queue to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II.
The comments arose during a conversation on the “Where There’s a Will There’s a Wake” podcast, hosted by Mel Giedroyc. Thomas didn’t shy away from expressing his skepticism, suggesting Beckham’s highly publicized queueing was a calculated move.
“I liked the Queen, but that queue was f*ing unbearable,” Thomas admitted, before turning his attention to Beckham. He posited that the football icon was acutely aware of the positive image the gesture would create, stating, “He knows he’s gonna get recognised.”
Thomas’s core argument centered on the idea of “virtue signalling,” accusing Beckham of performing an act specifically for public approval. He believed the former athlete anticipated the outpouring of praise for appearing to stand in line alongside ordinary citizens.
Giedroyc attempted to offer a counterpoint, noting Beckham’s seemingly unassuming attire – a “baker boy hat” – during the event. However, Thomas remained resolute, dismissing the outfit as part of the same calculated strategy.
He doubled down on his assessment, stating simply, “It was virtue signalling. The whole thing was virtue signalling.” The actor contrasted Beckham’s actions with the public backlash faced by television presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield for allegedly circumventing the queue.
Thomas surprisingly suggested he would have preferred Beckham to utilize special access, arguing that at least Willoughby and Schofield were “honest” about their reasons for doing so. He described the entire spectacle surrounding the Queen’s lying-in-state as a “jk-off.”
Beckham himself, while queuing, spoke to ITV about the significance of the moment, recalling receiving his OBE with his grandparents, both devoted Royalists. He emphasized the Queen’s enduring legacy and the profound sense of loss felt by the nation.
The comments sparked debate among listeners, with some defending Beckham’s right to pay his respects in a manner he chose, while others questioned the authenticity of his actions. The incident highlights the scrutiny faced by public figures even in moments of national mourning.
