Joanna Lumley's message to Phillip Schofield leaves fans seriously divided

Viewers have been left gobsmacked following Phillip Schofield's return to television - and which fellow star extended their support with a heartfelt message.

Phillip presented ITV's staple daytime show This Morning for over two decades, and for fourteen of them was joined by co-presenter Holly Willoughby.

The 62 year old left his role as presenter of the show in 2023, after the truth surrounding allegations of an affair with a younger, male colleague came to light.

Having initially denied the allegations, Phillip eventually admitted to the 'unwise but not illegal' relationship.

Phillip remains married to his wife, Stephanie Lowe, whom he wed in 1993, but had publicly come out as gay in 2020 to an outpouring of support from friends and colleagues.

Much of the general public were unsure if Phillip would ever return to screens - and 16 months later, he's back.

Starring in Channel 5 reality show Cast Away, Phillip is marooned on a desert island off the coast of Madagascar for 10 days with no direct access to the outside world.

One moment of respite, though, is when his friend Joanna Lumley gives him a message of love and support.

She also offered some top tips after being in a similar situation herself, having starred in reality TV special Girl Friday in 1994, where she spent nine days on the desert island of Tsarabanjina.

Schofield spends ten days on a desert island (Channel 5)

The 78-year-old Absolutely Fabulous actress said: "Listen, Phil these are the tips I’ve got, keep your knives sharp, spend much of the day trying to find wood otherwise 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 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.”

Lumley sends Schofield some words of encouragement (Channel 5)

Phillip then responded: "Oh you darling, thank you so much, that’s amazing."

People on social media were shocked at Joanna's involvement.

One person wrote: "Joanna Lumley, a national treasure! Surely not?!?!?!"

Another said: "GET JOANNA LUMLEY AWAY FROM PHILLIP SCHOFIELD."

While a third chimed: "Joanna Lumley of all people is giving Phillip Schofield some advice. I know she’s done this before but it’s totally random at the same time."

Phillip Schofield: Cast Away continues tonight and tomorrow at 9pm on Channel 5.