Channel 4 confirms fate of Virgin Island after controversial show breaks streaming records - and sparks swathes of complaints with unflinching on-screen romps

Virgin Island's fate has been confirmed after the controversial show breaks streaming records and sparks swathes of complaints with its unflinching on-screen romps.
The groundbreaking Channel 4 show hit screens in May and saw 12 adults embark on a journey of self discovery and openness to intimacy.
Lead by sexologists Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman and their team, they guided the group of virgins aged between 22 and 30 on a unique course.
The six-part series quickly became one of the most talked-about programmes of the year so far and broke records for the broadcaster.
Packed with shocking scenes and emotional moments, the series was the biggest streaming hit across scripted and unscripted shows this year for Channel 4.
From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop.
During its first 28 days, Virgin Island's episode one became the most watched show for those aged 16-34 on Channel 4 in 2025.
The controversial show attracted a whopping 1.4million viewers per episode on average.
Now, it has been confirmed that Virgin Island has been recommissioned for a second series.
TV boss Jonah Weston said: 'It's been such a thrill to watch this show catch fire.
'This is a live issue among young people, and from the brave cast to our wonderful experts I don't think I've ever worked on anything quite so bold, warm and well-intentioned.
'Watch out for season 2 which will be bigger and bolder than ever!'
While Dave, who lost his virginity on the island to surrogate partner Kat, has urged people to apply.
He said: ''I had an amazing time on the Island, and I'm truly thankful for the time I spent there.
'Anyone who has watched the show will have seen how much my confidence grew over the course of the series, and I can't speak highly enough of the experts and production team for making us feel so safe and secure.
'I was lucky enough to achieve the ultimate aim of the series whilst on the Island, and I can't wait to see the next group of participants go on the same journey – I would wholly encourage anyone with enough courage and resilience to apply, it's completely changed my life.'
However, the record-breaking show has been hit with controversy too and faced plenty of complaints from viewers.
Some felt uncomfortable by the intimate scenes between surrogates and the contributors being broadcast so openly.
Before it even hit screens last month some telly watchers were shocked by the concept alone and accused Channel 4 of 'scraping the barrel'.
When Dave lost his virginity on the programme those watching at home were delighted for him, but were surprised to see such an intimate moment play out on screen.
Sharing their thoughts, viewers said: 'Probably the most uncomfortable viewing. Only lasted 20mins and had to turn it off, felt like I was watching a love cult in action.
'Virgin Island is a hideous concept for a TV show. Why would you agree to go on it, to get exploited, even if you're getting paid!?';
When Dave lost his virginity on the programme those watching at home were delighted for him, but were surprised to see such an intimate moment play out on screen
Sharing their thoughts, viewers said: 'Probably the most uncomfortable viewing. Only lasted 20mins and had to turn it off, felt like I was watching a love cult in action.
'Well guys, that's the end of #VirginIsland, it's been... weird.';
'That Virgin Island is one disgustingly difficult watch man Jesus Christ';
'Is anyone else watching Virgin Island on Channel 4? I find it so bizarre everyone is so vulnerable and it's just a bit strange..'

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

BBC News

an hour ago

• BBC News

Grow a Garden: The surprise Roblox gaming hit

If people discover they love virtual gardening, might they be encouraged to take up the real thing? Andrew K. Przybylski, a professor of human behaviour and technology at the University of Oxford, said it was possible the game could "plant a seed" that could lead to a passion for plants. But, overall, he's sceptical. "It is unlikely that a game like this will encourage real world gardening any more than Super Mario Wonder encourages plumbing," he told the BBC. Prof Sarah Mills of Loughborough University has carried out research into the experience of young people and gaming. She highlights a key appeal of Grow a Graden is it is free to play, but the in-game currency is important. "This wider landscape of paid reward systems in digital games can impact children and young people's experiences of gaming and financial literacy," she said. "It can also cause challenges for many families to navigate, changing the nature of pocket money." Gardening podcaster and BBC presenter Thordis Fridriksson, meanwhile, is hopeful that any interest in gardening is a good thing. "Obviously the whole process is pretty different to real life, but it taps into the same thing which makes gardening so addictive, and that's planting seeds and watching your garden grow. "Fingers crossed some of the people who love the game will try growing something at home." Outside the living room in Edinburgh where they play the game is Owen and Eric's actual garden, which both boys help in. "I like gardening - and gardening in Grow a Garden," says Owen. But asked which one he prefers, he's emphatic: "Grow a Garden!"

Times

an hour ago

• Times

The UK summer festival kit list — luxury edition

Everyone knows that people who attend festivals in the UK aren't messing around. A feeble Californian unused to the elements, I turned up to my first UK weekender head to toe in all the wrong clothes. Where I should have brought warming but chic layers, I came with bare shoulders and no jacket. Where I should have researched fashionable but supportive shoes, I turned up in dainty sandals. Where it might have been wise to pack both a raincoat and a sunhat, I brought only trendy (and hardly UV safe) sunnies. As the rain whipped around me, the mud caked my ankles and my feet throbbed, I was cursing the Coachella influencers who had inspired my outfit. Instead I should have been paying attention to the clever way that the UK's fashionable festivalgoers weave together form and function to make sure they have the best time possible while still bringing personal style into the equation. It's a tricky line to navigate. Sure, you'll need sensible shoes. But the good news is there's never been a cooler array of sensible shoes on the market. Sure, you'll need a raincoat — but what if that raincoat was made by the queen of fashionable festival attire herself, Alexa Chung? Of course you'll want a hat to protect yourself from the sun, but what if that hat could take you from the soggy glades of Glastonbury to, say, the sizzling beach clubs of Monaco? Whether you're in the enviable position of sleeping in a luxury camper van at a glamping site or are kicking it old-school and camping next to your favourite stage, here are the festival staples that will have you looking and feeling your most luxurious. • This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Possibly the most important festival accessory is a great pair of sunnies. These from eyewear king Tom Ford are the perfect blend of trendy and practical, with their 1970s-inspired shape. Strap them on a chain like this one from Loewe for extra safety. This will keep them from flying off in the mosh pit. Tom Ford, £413 My favourite formula when it comes to festival dressing is wearing a fun top with comfortable bottoms. This top from the LA-based brand Staud has jaunty sequins, a little bit of a structure and a neutral enough colour that it will go with everything, even a pair of Adidas shorts. Staud, £330 Same goes for this glitter printed number from the French brand Courrèges. It's comfortable but still has personality — and is also a nod to the early 2000s styles that have been creeping back into the fashion landscape over the last few years. Courrèges, £180 There is no one who has more successfully nailed the chic festival aesthetic than Alexa Chung. This is why her line at Barbour is the perfect choice for your festival kit. It's made with the brand's waxed cotton, which will keep you dry in a downpour, but it's lightweight enough to make sure you don't overheat. It also comes in a jolly yellow bright enough that your friends will never lose you in the crowd. The Edit by Alexa at Barbour, £319 Miu Miu has entered into the activewear space and done it very well. Among the brand's new, more unexpected offerings is a fleece sweatshirt. The oversize fit and thick material mean it'll keep you cosy when temperatures inevitably drop in the evening. Miu Miu, £1,800 This top from Pucci is a great way to bring some colour into your look. Bring along your favourite bikini top to go under the shirt and you're in business. Pucci, £270 This flouncy dress from the LA-based brand Doen will balance perfectly with the chunkier pair of shoes you will inevitably have to wear. Think how nice it will feel not to have to squeeze into a pair of trousers on day three. Doen, £268 These need no introduction. They're the king of festivalwear and the best way to protect your trotters when the rain starts falling and the ground turns to slurry. This model has an update on the classic Hunter look with a mid-calf height and a tiny platform. Hunter, £168 This cropped reversible jacket has the unmistakable Burberry check on one side and a solid green on the other, meaning you get two outfits for the price of one. It's lightweight and will help keep you protected from the wind in the chicest way possible. Burberry, £1,250 Brunello Cucinelli clothes and a music festival may feel like unlikely companions, but this ribbed polo is a jaunty red and made of a resilient and warm cotton, making it a perfect companion for your festival excursion. Brunello Cucinelli, £990 A good pair of denim shorts will take you far, and these from Agolde come in five different washes. They are the perfect length, sitting just above mid-thigh, which is most flattering. Agolde, £180 Celine's classic frames are a surefire way to stay looking glam throughout the festival, plus the brand's shades are made of a thicker, sturdier acetate, so they're a more reliable bet for a day involving lots of jumping around. Celine, £340 For something with an open toe but a bit more support, try Bottega's new sandals. These have sturdy leather straps and chunky soles to help keep your feet secure as you stomp between shows. Bottega Veneta, £770 Jacquemus has been making fashionable summer headwear for years. The French brand uses chic but sturdy materials like denim and canvas, and many of its hats include an attached strap — a practical element not to be sniffed at! Jacquemus, £220 For something more lo-fi but still just as comfortable, try a pair of trainers from the new brand Hatty. These British-made, vegan and vintage-inspired trainers are designed by the siblings Harriet and Lewis Houlgrave, who just happen to be third-generation shoemakers. If it's looking to be a dry weekend, opt for their cheetah print model. The gum soles and supple materials mean that these babies will keep you dancing all night, no problemo. The shoes arrive in a beautiful silver box, which also includes a card explaining how to tie a perfect bow with your laces. Handy. Hatty, £165 If you get organised enough to change into a pair of pyjamas (rather than flopping face down in your party gear), make sure they're extra luxurious. Eberjey is known for its uber-cosy pyjamas, and its (machine-washable) silk PJs are particularly fabulous. Opt for the new Casa del Sol collection, which was co-created with the actress Eva Longoria for a particularly summery-feeling combo. Eberjey, £270 If you're someone who tends to get cold at night, why not bring along one of Burberry's hot-water bottles to keep your toes warm. Burberry, £320 Comfort is king, especially towards the end of the festival, but that doesn't mean you can't look polished too. Prada's jogging bottoms have both a drawstring waistband and cuffs, meaning they will be not only a roomy solution, but also a stylish one. Prada, £1,010 Whether you're shuffling around your tent or braving a communal shower, The Row's flip-flops will keep your feet comfortable while also semaphoring your style pioneer status. The Row, £670 Augustinus Bader is the skincare brand used by those in the know. Its products are chock full of the powerful TFC8® technology, which was invented by Dr Bader to aid in skin renewal — something you will be in desperate need of. The starter kit offers the brand's skincare heroes in a collection of minis. Augustinus Bader, £210 This suncream combines skin care and protection, formulated as a hydrating serum with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It also has a dewiness to it that will give you a nice sheen and it's tinted — great for those looking for a more minimal make-up look. Emma Lewisham, £50 There's nothing more annoying than the sense that a monster spot is percolating under the surface of your skin, especially when the last thing you have time to think about is a proper skincare regime. The ZIIP dot is your best friend in moments like this. The circular device, designed by the celebrity facialist Melanie Simon, is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but it emits micro currents that when glided over your spots help to reduce inflammation, swelling and tackle bacteria. ZIIP, £169 This primer will do everything you need for the festival. It will give you a glowy sheen, it will moisturise, and it will help blur imperfections without making your skin feel heavy. It's an all-rounder that also layers well if you need to do a mid-day top up. Vieve, £39 There's nothing more annoying than not having your phone handy to capture all the action. This case from Bottega is made of rubber, which will keep your phone safe from spills, and has a strap attached, so you can hang the phone off your person or even whirl it around your head with joy. Bottega Veneta, £200 You will spend half the time looking for the friends you've lost. Even worse is when you get lost with a phone battery that's rapidly decreasing, because then you may never see any of your friends again. Come prepared with a portable phone charger, and a chic one at that. Hermès' version is covered in supple calfskin leather and has wireless charging capabilities so you don't have to carry around any pesky cables. It also has a useful analogue gauge on the front to tell you exactly how much power is left in the bank. Hermès, £680 The Eyes water bottle is the perfect festival companion. Fun and functional, it keeps drinks cool for 24 hours and warm for 12, so it can carry your morning hot drink and then later help keep you cool and hydrated. Anya Hindmarch, £45 Sometimes you just can't bring yourself to stand in an endless line for a refresh on your drink. Solve for this by packing yourself a handful of tinned cocktails like these from Ghost Lab. Not only do they taste delicious, but they also feature light combinations like gin with grapefruit, lychee and cucumber, or vodka with espresso, cascara cherry and guarana. Plus the sleek silver packaging will act as an extra accessory. Ghost Labs, £18 It's almost a 100 per cent guarantee that you won't be eating as mindfully as you might like to during a multiday festival experience. Increase your protein intake (the key to managing a hangover) by supplementing with Louco's protein powder before you head out for the day. It's been specifically designed for women's health and will help you keep dancing for longer. Louco Health, from £24

Daily Mail​

2 hours ago

• Daily Mail​

Cricket fans go wild as star Sam Konstas posts thirst trap shirtless pics to social media

First Sam Konstas set cricket fans' hearts racing with his incredible play against India - and now he's doing it simply by taking some selfies. The swashbuckling 19-year-old has posted a series of very revealing images to social media as he tours the West Indies with the Aussie Test team. Konstas announced himself to the world in his Test debut against India last summer with a daring half-century, showing resilience against a world-class bowling attack. That included stunning the crowd with a fearless ramp shot for six off Jasprit Bumrah, who had been terrorising the Aussie attack. After briefly making way for Marnus Labuschagne in the Test series in Sri Lanka earlier this year and the World Test Championship final, he is likely to return to the Test XI against the West Indies in a three-match series starting in Barbados on June 26. And he is already lapping up the sun and attention in Barbados with some very revealing images he posted to Instagram. There is the trademark shot of him batting in the nets, plus some tourist happy snaps of historic monuments, the hotel pool and the bar. But Konstas also took the time to ditch his shirt in a series of revealing photos showing him enjoying the Caribbean life. 'Stop being so handsome and good luck for the upcoming series,' one fan commented. Another cheekily posted: 'Lost your suitcase?' 'When sexy Sammy is smiling, the whole world is smiling,' a fan account added. It's not the first time the young batsman has sent pulses racing. Konstas was also recently connected to the glamorous daughter of former Test opener Matty Hayden, but they have insisted they are just friends after they posed for a photo together at the races in Australia. 'Wow, what a lady you have,' one fan posted at the time. 'What a great couple,' added another. However, Grace Hayden already has a partner in cotton-heir boyfriend Wilson Statham. Konstas admitted emotions got the better of him in his whirlwind debut, but has vowed to repay the selectors' faith with a spot on the upcoming Ashes squad on the line. 'The emotions probably got to me with the crowd,' Konstas told reporters in Barbados. 'It was good reflecting and having a bit of time off, trying to strengthen my game. 'I feel like I trust people that I work with and they understand my game. 'I'm not trying to prove to anyone how I'm going to play. I just want to be myself and obviously understand when to take the game on. 'It's a dream come true, to be honest.