Phillip Schofield is set to make a comeback to television, 16 months after leaving ITV’s This Morning, as reported by the Sun newspaper. The former TV presenter has filmed a Channel 5 special called Cast Away, where a celebrity is marooned on an uninhabited tropical island off Madagascar for 10 days. This announcement follows Schofield teasing a reveal on his Instagram, hinting at a new venture. The TV special is expected to delve into Schofield’s reflections over the past two years.
Schofield’s departure from ITV in May last year came after he admitted to an affair with a younger male colleague, describing it as “unwise but not illegal”. Subsequently, his co-host, Holly Willoughby, left This Morning, ending their 14-year on-screen partnership. Willoughby continues to host ITV’s Dancing On Ice, alongside a replacement for Schofield, Stephen Mulhern.
Channel 5 recently teased a clip of a mystery star, believed to be Schofield, walking on a remote beach to promote the upcoming desert island programme. A source revealed that Schofield had turned down various offers in recent months but was drawn to the challenge presented by the Cast Away special. The programme promises raw and emotional footage as Schofield shares his unedited story with viewers, showcasing a different facet of his personality.
Representatives for Channel 5 are yet to provide a comment on Schofield’s return to TV. The new show is generating buzz among fans and industry insiders as Schofield prepares to make his television comeback with Cast Away on Channel 5.