Phillip Schofield made his biggest hint yet at a TV return on Tuesday as he posted a cryptic message to his social media page.
It’s understood the 62-year-old has signed up to appear on Channel 5’s Cast Away in a three-part special, The Sun reports.
It’s been reported the challenge has been filmed on the island of Madagascar and will see Schofield mulling over his thoughts regarding his scandalous ITV exit last year.
Once long-term TV broadcaster and This Morning presenter, Schofield hasn’t been seen on screens since May 2023 after he admitted to having had an “unwise but not illegal affair” with a younger colleague.
Following the admission and an emotional interview with the BBC, Schofield vanished from screens, leaving behind his ITV magazine show role as well as his Dancing on Ice presenting gig.
However, he made a return to social media earlier this year, leading specialists to speculate he was plotting a gradual comeback to the public eye.
Cast Away will see Schofield surviving on the tropical island for 10 days as he emotionally reflects on the last year and a half.
A source told The Sun: “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.
“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 insider added that while the comeback marks a turning point, Schofield is in “no rush” to make a full-time return to TV.
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Joanna Lumley and Ruby Wax are past stars of the island survival show, with Lumley having famously fashioned shoes out of her bra in BBC show Girl Friday in 1994, while Wax filmed the Channel 5 edition last year.
The alleged reveal comes just hours after Schofield posted “watch this space… 9am,” along with a wink emoji to his Instagram Story.
Meanwhile, Channel 5’s Instagram account posted a video captioned: “Coming Soon to Channel 5… A celebrity marooned on an uninhabited tropical island off the coast of Madagascar for 10 days is challenged with total isolation, the forces of nature, and the battle within their own mind. #CastAway #DesertIsland.”
The video reads: “One celebrity… On a desert island… Totally alone… With one chance… To finally tell his story.”
