Phillip Schofield confirms ’emotional’ TV return 16 months after ITV scandal: ‘My story of survival’

Phillip Schofield has confirmed he will be returning to the public eye with his first TV stint on Channel 5’s Cast Away, which is set to air next week – over a year on from the This Morning scandal.

Back in May 2023, Schofield stepped down from his role as presenter on ITV daytime show This Morning after embarking on an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague.

The scandal left Schofield coming off social media and staying out of the public eye for a year, but the star recently began using his Instagram again to share sweet snaps of his dog, Alfie.

For months there has been talk of Schofield returning to TV screens, with the star taking to his Instagram story last night and teasing: “Watch this space… 9 am,” along with a wink emoji.

A source later revealed to The Sun: “Over the past few months Phil has had quite a few offers for various things – but has steadfastly turned them all down. This sort of challenge has always appealed to him though and after consulting with friends and family, he decided to go for it.

“It’s all been top secret and has been an incredibly quick turnaround in order to keep the news quiet. After 42 years on telly, Phillip has learnt from some great crews and teams on how to film and tell a story.

“With 10 days to himself, no camera crews or production around, he shot some unbelievably raw footage – some of it makes for tough, emotional viewing. But he wanted a chance to share his story, unedited and honest, and let viewers see another side to him.”

The news of his return was confirmed by Schofield, posting two images of himself stranded on an island, with the caption: “Now you know how I spent my Summer! Alone for 10 days, no food, no water, no crew. My story of survival, both on a desert island and off it.

“Cast Away starts Monday on @channel5_tv & My5 at 9 pm,” with the comments being turned off from the post.

The insider added that while the comeback marks a turning point, Schofield is in “no rush” to make a full-time return to TV.

Meanwhile, Channel 5’s Instagram account posted a video captioned: “Coming Soon to Channel 5… A celebrity marooned on an uninhabited tropical island off the coast of Madagascar for 10 days is challenged with total isolation, the forces of nature, and the battle within their own mind. #CastAway #DesertIsland.”

The video reads: “One celebrity… On a desert island… Totally alone… With one chance… To finally tell his story.”

Joanna Lumley and Ruby Wax have previously taken part in the show, with the former famously fashioning shoes out of her bra in the BBC show Girl Friday in 1994, while Wax filmed the Channel 5 edition last year.

The return from Schofield could be seen as an attempt to “regain the public’s trust” – as Celebrity PR specialist Kayley Cornelius previously believed Schofield’s team were attempting to “sprinkle” him back into the public eye.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Strictly bosses ‘anxious’ as Nick Knowles’ show future hangs in balance after injuryGreat British Bake Off viewers ‘switch off’ minutes in over ‘bizarre’ start: ‘Cringe!’Jeremy Clarkson breaks silence on The Grand Tour finale backlash: ‘Illegal to have an opinion!’

On behalf of Betfred, she explained to GB News: “After Phil’s controversy and the stark end to his This Morning career, there’s no surprise that he went straight into hiding for several months following the incident and left many speculating whether he would eventually return to TV or he would permanently call it quits.

“However, as tensions start to die down, there are now signs to indicate that Phil could be teasing his return to the big screens, and it could be as soon as this year.”