Phillip Schofield is set to make a return to television screens, marking his comeback after a 16-month hiatus since departing from ITV’s This Morning. The Sun newspaper reported that the former TV personality has participated in filming a Channel 5 special titled “Cast Away”. The show features a celebrity being stranded on an uninhabited tropical island off the coast of Madagascar for a period of 10 days.
The 62-year-old Schofield recently hinted at an upcoming announcement through his Instagram story, sparking speculation among his fans. The Channel 5 programme is expected to delve into Schofield’s reflections on the past two years, including his departure from ITV following his acknowledgment of an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague last May. Schofield had expressed feeling like he had “lost everything” due to the fallout from the affair, which significantly impacted his well-being.
In the wake of Schofield’s departure from This Morning, his long-time co-host Holly Willoughby also bid farewell to the show after 14 years, choosing to focus on hosting ITV’s Dancing On Ice with Stephen Mulhern taking Schofield’s place. Channel 5 recently teased a snippet featuring an unidentified star, believed to be Schofield, walking along a remote beach, hinting at the upcoming desert island-themed programme.
A source revealed to The Sun that Schofield had received several offers in recent months but had declined them all until now. The insider shared that Schofield found the challenge presented by “Cast Away” appealing and decided to accept it after consulting with friends and family. The show was shrouded in secrecy, with an expedited production process to keep the news under wraps.
Representatives for Channel 5 have been approached for comment on the matter. It is reported that the Channel 5 special will provide viewers with an unfiltered and honest look at Schofield’s experience, showcasing raw and emotionally charged moments. The programme aims to shed light on a different side of Schofield, allowing audiences to witness his story firsthand.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the return of the beloved presenter to the small screen, Phillip Schofield’s involvement in Channel 5’s “Cast Away” promises to offer a unique and intimate glimpse into his personal journey and reflections.