Phillip Schofield makes X return with 16-word message

Phillip Schofield has returned to social media after three years to promote his new documentary Castaway

Phillip Schofield has made a return to Twitter, now known as X, after a three-year hiatus, coinciding with the airing of his new Channel 5 show, but viewers have criticised his comeback. He fired out a 16-word message - which suggested he wasn't hanging around for long on social media.

The 62 year old ex-This Morning host announced on Twitter, now known as X, the launch of his latest programme, Cast Away. In this new venture, Phillip is stranded on a remote Madagascan island, facing survival challenges and contemplating his contentious departure from the ITV programme.

His attempt to rehabilitate his image follows revelations of an affair with a younger colleague during his time on the daytime show. Sharing a rugged photo of himself from Cast Away, he tweeted: "Brief return to X I'm so proud of these shows. 'Cast Away' streaming now on My5".

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However, the post sparked negative reactions from X users. One commented: "Whoever advised you to attempt a gentle comeback should be sacked."

Another added: "You've earned more money in your career than most of us will in our lifetimes and with that comes responsibilities, which you abused. There's no coming back from that.", reports the Mirror.

Meanwhile, a third individual commented: "So sad to see that you're incredibly fame hungry and you want to be back in the spotlight again. Which you don't deserve."

Another person was less sympathetic, telling him he "can leave again and close the door on your way out."

However, it appears he still retains some support as one fan wrote: "I loved it watched every night, you did really well don't think I would have coped alone! ".

Another supporter advised: "Ignore the haters Philip everyone makes mistakes in life just not everyone has to have the world on their back when they do! Wishing you and your family a peaceful life."

A third chimed in with enthusiasm: "So happy to see you Phil, I hope you come back permanently."

In another update, he shared a video clip of a heartwarming reunion with his dog Alfie, captioning it: "After 3 weeks away ... Alfie's welcome. Cast Away available to stream on My5."

His time on the show was marked by several revelations, including the fact that his dismissal was linked to the negative press surrounding his brother's criminal actions rather than his own extramarital affair.

He clarified to the audience: "I came clean about my affair. What people don't realise is I wasn't fired from This Morning when I admitted lying... it was before, because of someone I used to call brother."

In an emotional moment on the show, he broke down as he discussed the controversy. Nonetheless, for some viewers, this candidness was perhaps too much to take in so soon.

One viewer expressed their disdain after the broadcast, commenting: "Not watching a second of the sickeningly desperate attempt for #PhillipSchofield to garner sympathy for being a wrong 'un. Imagine doing what he did and essentially having a video diary of your defence aired on TV. That his narcissism is being pandered to is grim."

Another was equally incensed, saying: "Can't believe a TV channel has given this guy a platform again."