Phillip Schofield fans convinced his new C5 show reveals huge hint about his future TV career

NOW that Philip Schofield’s secret TV comeback is known, there is much speculation about his future on television.

This week it’s been revealed that the 62-year-old secretly filmed a a Channel 5 special, Cast Away, which sees him marooned for 10 days on a tropical island.

But now fans are convinced that his latest move marks the beginning of an exciting partnership with the broadcaster.

Writing on the social media site, X, one fan said: “Glad to see Philip Schofield back on our screens from next week. I shall watch this three-part series on Channel 5.

I hope this is the start of a great partnership between Philip and Channel 5. I’m glad Phil is back on his feet and has signed up for this C5 show.”

The new show which marks his return to telly, 16 months since he was sacked from ITV’s This Morning, will see Philip fending for himself on a remote island off Madagascar. The TV presenter will film himself as he battles for survival and talking openly about his past two years of hell.

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.

“Whilst this is a massive coup for Channel 5, and huge for Phillip, he’s in no rush to come back to TV full-time yet; he remains very bruised, and is just taking some time now to weigh things up before he makes any major decisions.”

It is thought that Philip has been inspired by actress Joanna Lumley and comedian Ruby Wax, both of whom travelled to an Island off Madagascar to film their survival stories.

A highlight from Lumley’s 1994 BBC series Girl Friday, saw her making shoes out of a bra, while Ruby Wax filmed a cast away series for Channel 5 last year.

For his stint, Schofield has been given a handheld camera, a soundpack and wearable body cameras for his one man three part series which airs next Monday night.

It will be the first time the presenter – who teased a “watch this space” story to his three million Instagram fans last night – has been seen on mainstream television since he was fired from ITV‘s This Morning.

Holly Willoughby later quit the show, leaving the daytime show facing its biggest crisis in 35 years.

Phillip’s sacking followed a brief affair with a younger member of staff which he owned up to, prompting an external review of the culture at the programme, which eventually cleared ITV of any wrongdoing.

The fallout from the affair cost Philip all his TV work, including Dancing On Ice, and his ‘best friend’, Holly, who did not stand by him once the scandal unfolded.

He also came off all social media – but popped back on 18 weeks ago with a photo of his puppy, Alfie.

In an interview with The Sun last June, Phillip said he would “die sorry” for his affair, but firmly denied there had been any abuse of power.

He added: “I am deeply sorry. There are accusations of all sorts of things. It never came across that way (an abuse of power) because we’d become mates.

“But of course I understand that there will be a massive judgement, but bearing in mind, I have never exercised that anywhere else.

“I have massive guilt, and regret. I’ve made a mistake, I’ve had an affair at work.”

Back in May, the father of two the father of two was pictured enjoying a night out with Declan Donnelly – prompting speculation he was ready for a TV comeback.