Controversial Channel 4 show that left viewers 'shocked and uncomfortable' is set to 'return for second series'

It's the series that gripped the nation after Channel 4 sent 12 virgins, aged between 22 and 30, to an island off Croatia in a bid to have sexual relationships.
With expert coaching from therapists and intimacy experts, the concluding episode last week saw Dave successfully lose his virginity in dramatic scenes that left fans floored.
And now The Sun has revealed that the series will be returning for a second season.
According to the publication Channel 4 have already begun casting for a new set of virgins ready to work towards sexual intimacy with the help of sexperts Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman.
The show has since become the channel's most streamed new format since 2023 and is most popular with the target 16-34 age group.
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The show saw 12 virgins, aged between 22 and 30, being sent to an island off Croatia in a bid to have sexual relationships with the help of sexperts
A source told the publication: 'Virgin Island had a big buzz about it as something which really pushed the boundaries.
'In a market filled with somewhat predictable dating shows, it broke the mould and still had that Channel 4 experimental heart to it.
'So everyone was thrilled when the ratings seemed to back the broadcaster's punt. It felt like a no-brainer to consider a second series.'
Mailonline have contacted Channel 4 representatives for comment.
During the final episode of the six part series, accountant Dave, 24, could be heard moaning and groaning as he finally lost his virginity with surrogate partner Kat Slade.
However, fans of the controversial programme branded the scenes 'uncomfortable' as they struggled to watch the moment Dave finally lost his virginity.
After their session together, Kat explained: 'I feel good about being the person with him at that important moment.'
In the end, Dave was the only contestant on Virgin Island who had sex, and many noted that it was still bewildering to see such an intimate moment play out on screen.
Those watching at home were delighted for Dave, 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!?'
'Losing your virginity should be a special thing, something you remember all your life, this is just degrading these virgins and something they'll want to forget and regret in years to come...'
'Virgin Island isn't actually that bad but I still can't get my head around an actual sex surrogate that then ultimately has sex with the client. It baffles me.'
'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..'
The therapists on the show have since defended their work to MailOnline after it drew widespread controversy online and explained that the show gives viewers a realistic idea of what intimacy is.
During the show, all of the 12 virgins achieve a level of intimacy with either a surrogate or a coach during the course, but only one of the virgins actually goes all the way with a surrogate partner.
Sexologist Celeste Hirschman describes the relationship between the client and surrogate as 'authentic' and shared how the dynamic can reflect what would happen in a 'real relationships', including the possibility of 'performance problems' from either the surrogate or client.
Celeste continued: 'It is really an authentic relationship. So one thing that can happen in a relationship is that someone has performance problems, and so they would just communicate about it and say, oh, you know, something's not working here. Let's take a break. Let's try again.'
The sexologist added: 'That authenticity is what actually prepares people to have real relationships out in the world.
'So it's not just like trying to force something and a lot of times surrogates do work with people who have pretty significant dysfunctions, and so they need to work with those kinds of things, both in their clients and if it comes up in themselves as well.'
There's a 'triadic relationship' between the client, surrogate and a separate therapist to help tackle issues, including if the client develops feelings.

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