Phillip Schofield's 'vanity project' TV return leaves Mirror readers divided - poll results

Phillip Schofield returned to our screens last night, as the former This Morning host fronted Channel 5's Cast Away - but were YOU pleased to see him back?

The dramatic comeback comes 16 months after Phillip confessed to an "unwise but not illegal" affair with a much younger male colleague, which saw the star step down from all presenting roles. In the new three-part series, the 62-year-old is stranded on a tropical island off the coast of Madagascar for ten days, as he searches for food and shelter to survive.

Looking significantly different from his usual polished self, the ex breakfast star opened up about everything that happened over the past two years, which left his career on the brink. In episode one, which aired last night, Phillip said: "In the last 18 months my life has totally unravelled. I locked myself away from the outside world. But now I want to see if the ultimate isolation can finally set me free."

Accompanied by a handful of cameras, the former Dancing On Ice presenter was shown looking for crabs to eat and battling against harsh winds, as he reflected on how the survivalist experience helped to empty what he calls his "toxicity tanks". He added that he wants people to "bugger off and let me get on with the quiet life that you’ve all given me", before sharing how "dark" things became.

While he doesn’t reference former co-star Holly Willoughby during the first instalment, Phillip said of his TV career: "I miss parts of it. I miss most of it. There are bits I really, really don’t miss. You learn a lot about people. You learn a LOT about people. I don’t miss that."

Speaking about his new role, a source told The Sun: "With ten 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."

The source added that while it was a 'massive coup' for Channel 5 and huge news for Schofield, he is in no rush to return to his once lucrative telly career, adding that he was "still bruised". With episodes two and three scheduled to air tonight and tomorrow night, we asked Mirror readers if they were pleased to see Phillip back on our screens - and the responses were divided.

Around 3,131 people took part in our poll, and 54 percent were not impressed by his return. Voicing their thoughts in the comments section, one person penned: "And he's been paid a wage to do this program. It's not like he needs the money, so this is purely a vanity project and a route back to the attention he so craves."

Another posted on the Mirror’s Facebook page: "I personally don’t want him back on TV. He had a good career which is over all his fault," while a third echoed: "Schofield is utterly shameless in his pursuit of celebrity status."

A fourth posted: "He doesn’t need to work again with the money he has. So to come back with his pity party 'poor me' pathetic attempt at getting back into to the limelight shows he has no shame. He’s not sorry for what he did. He abused his position in a big way. And now he throws the blame at everyone else. Tells you what type of person he is really."

Meanwhile, 46 percent said they welcomed Phillip’s return, as one reader wrote on FB: "Loved last night's castaway raw real & deserves to be heard," while a second agreed: "This was a good watch! Well done Phil."

A third added: "This 1st part was fabulous. I just wish the public would realise he didn’t commit an offence," while another said: "I'll give him his due. He's got some fighting spirit & we all like a fighter who gets back up after been put down."

Ahead of the second episode airing tonight, we want to know if you're pleased to see Phillip back on our screens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below and you can still vote in our poll HERE to have your say.

Please note that the poll is still live, so these results may change after the article has been published.

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