Dame Joanna Lumley’s heartfelt message of support and “love” to Phillip Schofield upon his return to television after nearly two years has sparked mixed reactions among viewers of the Channel 5 show, Cast Away.
Schofield, a former This Morning presenter who had been off British television for 16 months following a public apology for dishonesty about an affair, is embarking on a 10-day journey on a remote island off the coast of Madagascar as part of the show, where he aims to share his perspective on the events that transpired.
The 78-year-old actress, known for her role in Absolutely Fabulous, had herself experienced a similar ordeal when she was featured on Girl Friday, a BBC programme set on an island near Madagascar back in 1994. Lumley’s advice to Schofield included practical tips such as keeping knives sharp, foraging for wood to ensure sustenance, and even recounted her own resourcefulness like fashioning shoes out of her bra during her time on the island.
Sending her warm regards, Lumley expressed, “I shall be thinking of you all the time, Phil, and actually I’m a little bit jealous, lots of love,” to which Schofield responded with gratitude, calling her message “amazing.”
While some viewers applauded Lumley’s show of support for Schofield amidst the controversy that surrounded him, others expressed surprise and disbelief. Reactions on social media ranged from admiration for Lumley as a “national treasure” to confusion over her unexpected involvement.
In a similar format to a previous series featuring comedian Ruby Wax’s isolated island adventure documented with cameras, Schofield will face the challenges of finding his own food and shelter in Phillip Schofield: Cast Away. The three-part series is set to premiere on Channel 5 on Monday at 9pm, continuing on Tuesday and Wednesday at the same time.
This article included additional reporting by PA, providing further insights into the much-anticipated return of Phillip Schofield to the small screen after a prolonged absence.
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