Phillip Schofield has seemingly shrugged off the backlash from viewers and critics after the first episode of his TV debut aired last night – standing alongside his daughter, Molly Schofield.
The star appeared on Channel 5 last night for the first episode of Cast Away, where the former This Morning star was stranded on a desert island for 10days – opening up about coming out, his “unwise but not illegal” affair with a younger male colleague and his subsequent axing from ITV.
His highly anticipated return left a sour taste in many Channel 5 viewers’ mouths as they took to their X accounts to slam the broadcaster for the “boring” episode – resulting in them switching off from the show.
“THIS IS BORING AS HELL #PhillipSchofield,” one shared before another added: “Well that was the most boring hour of television I’ve ever watched on Channel 5 and he is still as annoying as we all already knew. #CastAway #PhillipSchofield.”
A third admitted: “This is actually quite boring. Is someone going to make a highlight of all 3 on TikTok? Because if so, I have some other things to bewatching… #castaway.”
“Lasted about ten minutes into the pity fest. I’m assuming it didn’t get any more interesting #PhillipSchofield,” someone else shared before another agreed: “This #PhillipSchofield thing is insanely cringe.”
Molly Schofield posted on her Instagram account alongside her father
However, the backlash didn’t seem to bother Schofield as she looked pleased with the first episode and shrugged off the backlash as he partied alongside his daughter Molly – who relayed how “proud” she was.
Donning a black sweater worn over a white shirt, Schofield appeared in a good mood as he relaxed with his supportive daughter after she reposted a friend’s story to her own.
She captioned the image: “What a night, thank you all for the support”, while in a second similar post, she added: “Could not be more proud.”
Schofield’s former co-star and best friend Holly Willoughby also seemed to shrug off his return – despite the star making a subtle dig during the first episode.
Molly Schofield continued to show how proud she was of her father
Sat round the table with his family, he alluded to Willoughby’s This Morning speech following his exit, in which she famously asked viewers “Are you ok?” – leaving him to mock the moment.
Making a quip, Schofield told his family: “If you’re ok then we’re ok and I’m ok. Are you ok?” before the family giggled along.
Willoughby, 43, seemed to ignore the comments and made it clear she would continue to distance herself from her former friend and headed on a night out to see Abigail’s Party at the Theatre Royal in Stratford.
Posting on her Instagram, Willoughby shared some snaps of selfie with former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite, 53, and captioned the post: “You are simply incredible. If you get the chance please go and see this.”
Holly Willoughby ignored the fact Schofield returned to screens and made a dig at her
Whilst many fans were outraged with the show and bored within minutes, some also took issue with Joanna Lumley after she shared some “words of wisdom” after she took part in the series.
She expressed: “Hello Phil, this is Joanna Lumley. Listen, Phil, these are the tips I’ve got… Keep your knives sharp, don’t spend much of the day trying to find wood or you won’t be able to eat anything.
“When I was on the island I made a pair of shoes out of my bra – and I’d love to think that you could do something a bit like that, a little bit challenging, and bring it back so we can all look at it.
“I shall be thinking about you a lot Phil. And actually, I’m a bit jealous, lots of love,” she signed off as she blew Schofield a kiss.
