Phillip Schofield breaks silence on TV return as he reflects on explosive 18 months

Phillip Schofield has broken his silence on his TV return as he's set to front an exclusive three-part series for Channel 5, where he will reflect on the past explosive 18 months

Phillip Schofield has broken his silence on his TV return, reflecting on the past explosive 18 months.

The former This Morning presenter, 62, is set to feature in an exclusive three-part series for Channel 5 titled Cast Away. In this emotionally charged series, Phillip will narrate his personal journey through an ultimate survival challenge.

The show is scheduled to broadcast over three consecutive nights starting from Sunday 29 September to Tuesday 1 October airing at 9pm, reports the Express.

Commenting on his comeback to TV, 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."

He continued: "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!"

The show's synopsis hints at a demanding journey: "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."

It also describes the behind-the-scenes support: "While Phillip is alone on the island the production team will be stationed 30 minutes off shore, only to intervene in the event of an extreme emergency. Phillip's mental health and physical safety are monitored as the experience progresses."

Channel 5 Commissioning Editor, Guy Davies, commented on the series: "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."

Meanwhile Burning Bright Productions' Executive Producer and MD Clive Tulloh expressed his excitement, saying: "We are very excited about this powerful and emotional series. It is much watch TV. It gives a whole new meaning to survival."

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 a statement posted to social media, she announced she would be stepping down from This Morning after 14 years.

In March, Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley were announced as Phillip and Holly’s permanent replacements on This Morning.

Phillip Schofield: Cast Away airs from Sunday 29 September to Tuesday 1 October at 9pm on Channel 5.