'Phillip Schofield's comeback is brilliant – he can't be cancelled forever', says Biggins

Christopher Biggins has hailed Phillip Schofield's TV return as "brilliant" saying the controversial star needs "to earn a living".

On Monday Phillip will appear in Channel 5 special Cast Away where he will explore "his own controversial story" following 16 months off air.

He stepped down from This Morning when it was revealed he had an “unwise, but not illegal” affair with a younger member of staff. And Biggins, 75, who regularly appeared on the This Morning sofa alongside Phillip, 62, told Express Online: "It's brilliant he's back.

"It was unfortunate that he left under such a cloud and I don't know whether the cloud was necessary. I think there were lots of other things involved.

"But I think it's great because no-one wants to see someone not do anything for the rest of their lives. These assassinations can't go on forever. People have got to earn a living.

"I think he is a brilliant broadcaster and all good luck to him, it sounds like a very interesting project."

Cast Away will air across three nights from Monday 30 September to Wednesday 2 October at 9pm. Breaking his silence on his TV return, Phillip said: "This is most definitely a first for me and the only thing I felt compelled to do.

"It appealed to me on so many levels. I’ve recently had a lot of time to think about my life, what went right and what went wrong, but I’ve always had the safe arms of friends and family wrapped around me.

"This time it’s just me, no phone, no comforts, no crew and only lip balm as a luxury. I’m looking forward to exploring the island, trying to tie knots to secure my shelter and foraging and fending for myself in the wild… with no help.

"Maybe I’ll be Robinson Crusoe, or maybe I’ll just be Tom Hank’s Wilson and quietly drift off into the wild blue yonder!"
A synopsis for the show teases: "An authentic and intense physical and mental challenge, Phillip is left alone with only a handful of cameras to document his own experience.

"This solitary island existence presents an opportunity for Phillip to confront the challenges of total isolation, and the forces of nature and provides the time to battle within his own mind as he explores his own controversial story.

"While Phillip is alone on the island the production team will be stationed 30 minutes offshore, only to intervene in the event of an extreme emergency. Phillip’s mental health and physical safety are monitored as the experience progresses."

Meanwhile, Channel 5 Commissioning Editor, Guy Davies, said of the show: "This isn’t just a survival challenge, it’s a chance for Phillip to look back over the last explosive 18 months of his life, and explore what happened.

"The audience will learn how he feels now about television and the future, as well as the past. And it will be Phillip Schofield as we have never seen him before – unguarded, emotional and brutally honest."

We revealed how Phillip still hasn't spoken to former best pal Holly Willoughby - but that the show could see them reunite. And Biggins says that he "would be thrilled to see" Phillip again.

He added: "I do know him. I haven't been in touch with him because I don't have his number but if I saw him I would be thrilled to see him."

Phillip announced on May 20, 2023, that he would be stepping down from hosting This Morning with Holly Willoughby, 43, after more than 20 years.

Following his exit, he announced he had previously embarked on an "unwise but not illegal affair" with a younger male colleague.
Five months after Phillip stepped away from This Morning, Holly followed suit.
In March, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were announced as Phillip and Holly’s permanent replacements on This Morning.