Phillip Schofield is making his TV comeback 16 months after being axed by ITV.
The TV presenter, 62, will be battling for survival in the Channel 5 special Cast Away, which sees him stranded on an island for 10 days.
The former This Morning presenter will open his heart about the last two years as he spends his time on an island off Madagascar.
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.
The source added: “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.”
Schofield is following in the footsteps of Joanna Lumley and Ruby Wax on the programme, which airs on Monday night.
On its social media pages, Channel 5 posted a short clip of Phillip walking across a remote beach with the words: “A celebrity marooned on an uninhabited tropical island for 10 days is challenged with total isolation, the forces of nature and the battle within his own mind.”
His sacking followed a brief affair with a younger member of staff, which led to an external review looking at This Morning’s culture.
ITV was later cleared of wrongdoing.
Last June the presenter said he regretted what had happened.
“I have massive guilt, and regret,” he said. I’ve made a mistake, I’ve had an affair at work.”
