Phillip Schofield to make dramatic TV return 16 months after scandal

Phillip Schofield has bagged a huge Channel 5 job
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Phillip Schofield has made a dramatic return to TV after landing a top Channel 5 job - and he looks very different.

After admitting to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much younger male colleague, the former This Morning presenter sensationally quit his role at ITV in 2023. However, now, 16 months after the scandal, Phillip has been secretly filming for Channel 5's Cast Away.

As reported by the Mirror, viewers will see a dishevelled Schofield stranded on a tropical island for 10 days and he will discuss the past two years in detail during the programme. Phillip will film himself stranded in Madagascar as he fends for himself while also reflecting on the turmoil of the scandal he was at the centre of.

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Speaking about his new role, a source told 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.

"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."

It comes 16 months after he last appeared on screens
It comes 16 months after he last appeared on screens -Credit:PA

But the source added that while it was a "massive coup" for Channel 5 and huge news for Schofield, he is in no rush to return to his once lucrative telly career, adding that he was "still bruised". The TV platform had previously teased Schofield's appearance in a clip shared across social media. Captioning their upload, they penned: "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."

In the trailer, Phillip is seen wandering across a deserted beach wearing a white shirt, beige shorts and a hat. Captions along the video read: "One celebrity. On a desert island. Totally alone. With one chance to finally tell his story." Phillip's former This Morning colleague Josie Gibson was among the 500 people who had liked the clip.

Taking to the comments, one fan penned: "Philip Schofield... Good for him!" A second added: "Schofe's account has just said 9am tomorrow, watch this space… it's got to be an announcement for this, surely!" Meanwhile, a third typed: "Excited." Prior to the news being revealed, Phillip took to social media to share a cryptic comment with fans, saying: "Watch this space," with a winking emoji, teasing that the news would emerge at 9am on Wednesday.

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