Phillip Schofield announces bombshell TV return after affair ruined career
Phillip Schofield left This Morning last year after an "ill-advised but not illegal" affair with a much younger male colleague - but now he is set to make an explosive TV return.
Channel 5 teases new show Cast Away
Phillip Schofield has announced he is making a bombshell TV comeback after being embroiled in an affair scandal last year.
In a video on Instagram, he posted: "Now you know how I spent my Summer! Alone for 10 days, no food, no water, no crew. My story of survival, both on a desert island and off it.
"Cast Away starts Monday on @channel5_tv & My5 at 9pm."
Fans were shocked when the former This Morning host, who'd presented the show alongside Holly Willoughby, reappeared against the odds and told all about his latest project.
His words come after our report that he'd secretly filmed a Channel 5 special on a remote tropical island in the Indian Ocean - his first TV appearance in 16 months. His isolation off the coast of Madagascar is said to have been symbolic of his "exile" following his admission about an affair.
A source had reportedly told The Sun that he'd been inundated with offers but had "steadfastly turned them all down" - until receiving the offer to appear on Castaway. The source explained: "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."
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They added: "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.
"He wanted a chance to share his story, unedited and honest, and let viewers see another side to him."
The announcement represents Schofield's first television work since disappearing from the public eye back in May 2023.
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A tearful Schofield had revealed that he'd been close to taking his own life when the news of his affair with a much younger colleague broke - but with the support of his daughters, he was able to take steps to move on away from the public eye.
The affair took place while he was still married to his wife of almost 30 years, Stephanie Lowe.
He made a full apology to her, while their daughter Molly now works as his publicist after deciding to quit the talent agency that had once represented both herself and her father.
Phillip revealed during a BBC interview at the time: "My girls saved my life... they've been by my side every moment because they're scared to let me out of their sight... they said to me, 'Don't you dare do this on our watch.' We're supposed to be looking after you'.
"If my girls hadn't been there, I wouldn't be here, because I don't see my future."
