Absolutely Fabulous actress Joanna Lumley, 78, has come under fire from a pocket of Channel 5 viewers following her surprise cameo in Phillip Schofield: Cast Away.
On Monday night, the former This Morning presenter, 62, returned to screens for the first time in over a year as he headed to a desert island off the coast of Madagascar.
Schofield, whose ITV exit was a result of lying about an “unwise but not illegal” affair he had with a younger male runner on This Morning, has vowed to tell “my side of my story” on the isolated island.
In episode one, Channel 5 viewers witnessed Schofield get to grips with the survival techniques he’d have to adopt on the island as well as hear from his wife and two daughters.
Schofield’s eldest daughter Molly even broke down in tears as she reflected on the time since her father’s sacking in May 2023 and the barrage of criticism he’s faced for the scandal.
But another moment that piqued attention was some pre-recorded “words of wisdom” from Schofield’s pal Lumley.
The 78-year-old is no stranger to survival shows having embarked on her own quest in the African country three decades ago.
Teeing up her cameo in Cast Away, Schofield told viewers: “There’s always time for some words of wisdom from my favourite survivalist.”
Schofield then set up the device to watch the message before pressing play and Lumley could be heard imparting her words of support.
“Hello Phil, this is Joanna Lumley,” she began. “Listen Phil, these are the tips I’ve got…
“Keep your knives sharp, don’t spend much of the day trying to find wood or you won’t be able to eat anything.
“When I was on the island I made a pair of shoes out of my bra – and I’d love to think that you could do something a bit like that, a little bit challenging, and bring it back so we can all look at it.
“I shall be thinking about you a lot Phil. And actually, I’m a bit jealous, lots of love,” she signed off as she blew Schofield a kiss.
A visibly emotional Schofield beamed before saying to the camera: “Oh, you darling. Thank you so much. That’s amazing.”
The episode then moved on to show how Schofield battled the wilderness – but before long, social media was awash with disappointed reactions aimed at Lumley for showing her support for the disgraced TV presenter.
“GET JOANNA LUMLEY AWAY FROM PHILLIP SCHOFIELD,” one fan raged on X, before a second weighed in: “Joanna Lumley, a national treasure! Surely not?!?!?! [puke emojis] #PhillipSchofield.”
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Complete isolation. No comforts, no safety net. Phillip Schofield faces life on a remote island, learning to live in the unforgiving wilderness.
📺 Phillip Schofield Cast Away starts Monday 9pm on Channel 5 & My5 pic.twitter.com/tM9rJbEPWN
— Channel 5 (@channel5_tv) September 25, 2024
A third baffled viewer weighed in: “Him calling Ant and dec 2 of his best mates, joanna lumley making a cameo what in the world!? #phillipschofield.”
And a fourth was similarly dismayed: “Joanna Lumley of all people is giving Phillip Schofield some advice.
“I know she’s done this before but it’s totally random at the same time. #CastAway #PhillipSchofield.”
“Joanna Lumley… shame on you. #Castaway #PhillipSchofield.” added a fifth.
However, while others ended up turning off the show altogether due to its “boring” nature, there were some supportive messages for both Lumley and Schofield.
“It’s SO good having Schofe back on my telly,” one fan argued against the backlash. “Also note that Ant & Dec are still referred to as his best mates and even Joanna Lumley is on his side… #CastAway.” (sic)
