Dame Joanna Lumley has sent a heartfelt message of “love” and support to Phillip Schofield as the former This Morning presenter makes his first return to television in nearly two years with a new Channel 5 survival show.
Schofield, 62, is set to star in Phillip Schofield: Cast Away, a three-part survival series in which he will attempt to find his own food and shelter while living in a remote location. The show is reminiscent of Lumley’s own experience in the 1994 BBC programme Girl Friday, where she was cast away off the coast of Madagascar, channelling the spirit of Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.
In her message to Schofield, Dame Joanna, 78, offered some advice for his upcoming adventure. “Listen, Phil, these are the tips I’ve got: keep your knives sharp and spend much of the day trying to find wood otherwise you won’t be able to eat anything,” she said. She humorously added, “When I was on the island, I made a pair of shoes out of my bra… and I would love to think that you could do something a bit challenging, and bring it back so we could all look at it. I shall be thinking of you all the time, Phil, and actually I’m a little bit jealous. Lots of love.
Schofield responded with gratitude, saying, “Oh you darling, thank you so much, that’s amazing.”
Schofield’s return to television follows a period away from the limelight after he admitted to having an affair with a younger colleague, which he described as “unwise but not illegal.” The revelation led to his resignation from ITV and This Morning in 2023.
Phillip Schofield: Cast Away is reminiscent of the series that saw comedian Ruby Wax left alone on an island in the Indian Ocean for ten days, documenting her experience with body and handheld cameras. Lumley had also sent Wax a supportive letter for that show.
The new survival series will see Schofield navigating the challenges of isolation, finding food, and building shelter over three episodes.
The first episode of Phillip Schofield: Cast Away will air on Channel 5 at 9pm on Monday, September 30, with the series continuing at the same time on Tuesday and Wednesday.
How to Watch Phillip Schofield: Cast Away
Phillip Schofield: Cast Away begins on Monday, September 30 at 9pm on Channel 5, with subsequent episodes airing on Tuesday and Wednesday at the same time.
The return has generated mixed reactions, with some seeing it as a redemption opportunity for Schofield, while others expressed anger at his comeback. Despite the controversy, Dame Joanna’s support underscores her fondness for Schofield and her excitement for his new adventure.
