Phillip Schofield to make TV comeback 16 months after This Morning scandal

Phillip Schofield is set to make a dramatic return to the silver screen as the former This Morning host will be the focus of a Channel 5 special.

The 62-year-old has reportedly been filming a TV special called Cast Away, where he will give up his regular everyday life for 10 days while living on a tropical island and reflecting on what has happened in the past couple of years.

Described by Channel 5 as a 'celebrity marooned on an inhabited tropical island off the coast of Madagascar for 10 days', it comes 16-months after the presenter's dramatic departure from ITV's This Morning, which he had presented for 21 years.

His inclusion in the show was secretly filmed, and the TV personality will be discussing his scandalous departure from ITV, as well as how he has been coping, all while surviving and fending for himself on the island.

The British presenter will speak about how he has been emotionally impacted, while it is understood that Schofield has been given a handheld camera, body cameras and a sound pack before being left to record his soul-searching journey.

This news comes after the presenter posted an upcoming announcement on his Instagram story, posting: “Watch this space…9am.”

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.

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. pic.twitter.com/O1vFUJUfbx

— Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) September 23, 2024

"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."

They also added that there would be 'no camera crews or production around', saying that Schofield 'shot some unbelievably raw footage', which will make for 'emotional viewing'.

"But he wanted a chance to share his story, unedited and honest, and let viewers see another side to him," they explained.

"Whilst this is a massive coup for Channel 5, and huge for Phillip, he's in no rush to come back to TV full-time yet; he remains very bruised, and is just taking some time now to weigh things up before he makes any major decisions."

The presenter resigned from the ITV show in May of last year after admitting to an 'unwise but not illegal' affair with a younger male colleague, while being married to Stephanie Lowe, with the two having two children together during their 30-year marriage.

Following his departure, This Morning co-host Holly Willoughby left the show five months later, after sharing the sofa with Schofield for 14 years.

During the weekend just past, Channel 5 posted a clip on social media teasing a mystery star walking across a remote beach, as part of their 'brand new' desert island programme.

Cast Away will be a three-part series that is set to air on Monday evening (30 September) on Channel 5, and will be Schofield's first work since leaving ITV.