Phillip Schofield turned DOWN big money TV offers before signing up to spend ten days on remote island for C5
PHILLIP Schofield turned DOWN a series of big money TV offers before signing up for a new Channel 5 series.
The Sun has exclusively revealed that the presenter will appear in a new three-part documentary, Cast Away, which will see him marooned on a tropical island.
The show, which starts on Monday, follows the former This Morning host as he is stranded alone on an island off Madagascar- where he fends for himself and film his own journey.
Last night a source said Phil had turned down very lucrative offers from ITV and BBC for the Channel 5 gig.
They revealed: “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.”
And our insider adds that Phillip was attracted to the idea of filming the show himself so he could tell his own story in his own words.
The source continued: “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.”
Earlier tonight, Phillip teased his TV return with a ‘Watch this space…9am’ post on his instagram account – pointing to the fact that series will be officially announced tomorrow morning.
Cast Away will be Phillip’s chance to open up to viewers about everything he has gone through in the wake of the scandal that saw him lose his gig on This Morning and Dancing on Ice.
The household’s name’s a brief affair with a younger member of staff, which he owned up to, saw ITV carry out an external review.
The review eventually cleared ITV of any wrongdoing, but Phillip retreated from the public eye.
He came off all social media – but went back online just over four months ago back in May.
At the time of his sacking from This Morning, Phillip spoke exclusively with The Sun.
Phillip revealed he would “die sorry” for his affair, but vowed there had been no abuse of power.
He said: “I have massive guilt, and regret. I’ve made a mistake, I’ve had an affair at work.”
The former ITV star joined This Morning in 2002.
He presented the iconic show alongside co-star Holly Willoughby from 2009.
The pair had a falling out prior to his exit from the show, and no longer speak.
While Phillip has kept a low profile over the last 16 months, he has been snapped out and about.
Phil's TV return
SOME thought it would never happen. He thought it would never happen
But, after a 16-month exile, Phil Schofield is back where he belongs — on TV.
A lot has happened in that time, none of it involving Phil. He’s gone from household name to household recluse.
I was the first person to interview him after his axing from This Morning, and he was a shell of a man. Pale, gaunt and shaking, he spoke, haltingly, in a whisper.
Nailing vape after vape, he thought his once- glittering career was over. Many came out in support but he couldn’t face opening himself up for more scrutiny.
He’s said “no” to every opportunity that’s since come his way.
But the chance to reset on a remote island has proven too big a draw. This is a chance to have his say — raw, unfiltered and honest. Who knows what will emerge? (Only Phil, a few Madagascan crabs, and a Channel 5 edit suite will know).
It’s a risk, anything with TV cameras generally is, but worth taking.