Phillip Schofield made a return to screens on Monday night for the first time since news of his ITV affair scandal hit headlines.
His much-anticipated TV comeback saw him stranded on an uninhabited Madagascar island for 10 days, with the first episode of Channel 5’s Cast Away following the 62-year-old as he searched for food and water and set up camp.
Schofield battled the elements of the island alone, with no production crew as he filmed himself going back to basics and reflecting on his life.
The former face of daytime TV admitted to having had an “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger ITV colleague in May 2023, resulting in him leaving the channel and stepping away from the limelight.
Following his cancellation and public fall from grace, Schofield’s family – including his wife Stephanie Lowe and their two daughters, Molly and Ruby – have stood by him.
They featured in Monday’s episode and could be seen joking with Schofield when he seemed to make a quip about his former This Morning co-host, Holly Willoughby.
Despite the strong reaction surrounding news of Schofield’s comeback, some viewers who tuned into Channel 5 on Monday were left disappointed, with many branding the episode “boring”.
Taking to X, one person shared: “THIS IS BORING AS HELL #PhillipSchofield.”
“Well that was the most boring hour of television I’ve ever watched on Channel 5 and he is still as annoying as we all already knew. #CastAway #PhillipSchofield,” another penned.
A third admitted: “This is actually quite boring. Is someone going to make a highlight of all 3 on TikTok? Because if so, I have some other things to be watching… #castaway.”
Others ended up switching off from the programme, with one sharing: “Lasted about ten minutes into the pity fest. I’m assuming it didn’t get any more interesting #PhillipSchofield.”
Another posted: “This #PhillipSchofield thing is insanely cringe.”
“The thing is I don’t actually care about his surviving on an island. I care about him spilling some tea and so far not a single drop has been spilled. Is the kettle even on? #castaway,” another quipped.
However, while some found the opening episode dull, others defended the former presenter.
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“I think we can all now give this guy a break. His wife and daughters love him unconditionally,” one noted.
Another commented: “#PhillipSchofield absolutely loved this. The man has the love and respect of his wife and daughters.
“Everyone else is incidental. Those who have a lot to say need to struggle and concentrate on their own diminishing careers. Loved him then, love him now. Well done Phil!” (sic)
Several moments of the episode did get some viewers talking, among them was the reaction of Schofield’s family. At one point, his daughter Molly, 31, broke down in tears as she reflected on the impact the scandal had on her father.
