Colleagues are voicing their reactions to Phillip Schofield’s return after a lengthy period of seclusion involving smoking and drinking, with concerns that "he could potentially ruin Channel 5."

PHILLIP Schofield’s TV comeback will be ‘unbelievably raw’ and ’emotional viewing’.

The Sun exclusively revealed earlier tonight that the 62 year-old will make his return to the small screen for the first time in 16 months in a Channel 5 special, Cast Away.

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Phillip Schofield’s TV return will make for ’emotional viewing’ say insidersCredit: Louis Wood

Cast Away will air on Monday and was filmed by Phillip himselfCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk

Phillip was shown from the back in the teaser for the showCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAQpjCAI-9t/?hl=en

Phillip hinted at the announcement for the show tonight on social media
The show will see him marooned on the tropical island off Madagascar, where Phil will self-film his powerful journey and lay bare everything he has been through since being axed from This Morning.

An insider told us: “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 show will air next Monday, and there will be three episodes in total.

The Sun understands that Phillip turned down several big money offers from ITV and BBC to go with Channel 5 for his first vehicle since his public fall from grace.

The source added: “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.”

Phillip has teased his comeback, posting ‘Watch this space…9am’ followed by a winking emoji on his instagram stories tonight.

Channel 5’s official teaser for the show describes it as: “A celebrity marooned on an uninhabited tropical island for 10 days is challenged with total isolation, the forces of nature and the battle within his own mind.”

Phillip Schofield returns to social media for first time in over a year as he eyes up comeback
Phillip was fired from This Morning back in May 2023 after an affair with a younger colleague.

He lost his friendship with former co-host Holly Willoughby, which was already strained in the run-up to the scandal being exposed, and lost his hosting gig on Dancing On Ice.

He was replaced by Stephen Mulhern on the talent show, while Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley took over from Holly and Phil on the long-running daytime juggernaut.

Phil returned to social media after a year-long silence in May this year.

It will mark Phillip’s first TV show since he left This MorningCredit: Rex

Phil’s TV return

By Clemmie Moodie

SOME thought it would never happen. He thought it would never happen

But, after a 16-month exile, Phil Schofield is back where he belongs — on TV.

A lot has happened in that time, none of it involving Phil. He’s gone from household name to household recluse.

I was the first person to interview him after his axing from This Morning, and he was a shell of a man. Pale, gaunt and shaking, he spoke, haltingly, in a whisper.

Nailing vape after vape, he thought his once- glittering career was over. Many came out in support but he couldn’t face opening himself up for more scrutiny.

He’s said “no” to every opportunity that’s since come his way.

But the chance to reset on a remote island has proven too big a draw. This is a chance to have his say — raw, unfiltered and honest. Who knows what will emerge? (Only Phil, a few Madagascan crabs, and a Channel 5 edit suite will know).

It’s a risk, anything with TV cameras generally is, but worth taking.

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Source: USA Today