Controversial Channel 4 show has been renewed despite 'disturbing' reviews
Virgin Island received backlash from viewers for the show's 'exploitative' premise, which involved encouraging adult virgins to embrace their sexuality for the first time on TV
Channel 4's boundary-pushing series Virgin Island has officially been renewed for a second series, despite a wave of backlash from shocked viewers who branded it "disturbing" and "exploitative".
Virgin Island, which has been described as "groundbreaking and heartwarming" by Channel 4 bosses, followed 12 adult virgins on a journey of sexual self-discovery at a luxury Mediterranean retreat. Participants in the show were guided through a unique intimacy course by sexologists Celeste Hirschman and Dr. Danielle Harel, which is designed to help them overcome their fears around sex and connection.
Although every episode aired after the 9pm watershed, many viewers were stunned by the show's unfiltered approach to experiential sex therapy – which saw one of the participants lose their virginity to sex surrogate on the show.
At the time, audiences took to X to share their thoughts, with one writing: "It feels wrong to be watching this." Another viewer shared: "This is just getting disturbingly weird now."
"This is so exploitative. I'm panicking myself and I'm watching it at home!! I can't even imagine being one of them right now. This is awful," wrote a third. And a fourth said: "I'm sorry but that Virgin island maybe the most disturbing thing channel 4 has ever released".
Despite the controversy, Virgin Island has quickly become Channel 4's biggest streaming hit of the year across all genres. It is now the most-watched show for 16–34s in 2025 so far, overtaking major titles like Taskmaster, Gogglebox, and Married at First Sight Australia.
The first season had a series average of 1.4 million viewers per episode, and received almost 9 million total streams, so it is clear the show struck a chord with younger audiences.
Ian Katz, Channel 4's Chief Content Officer, said: "Virgin Island is the kind of show only Channel 4 would make – exploring an important but under-discussed social issue with warmth, sensitivity and wit. We're delighted that it resonated with younger viewers."
The show's commissioning editor, Jonah Weston, added: "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 – it'll be even bigger and bolder."
Executive Producer Rob Davis called the show's success "incredible", adding: "Its bold and fresh approach clearly struck a chord with the younger generation."
One of the most controversial practises on the show was the use of surrogate partners, who were professionals the cast were allowed to practise sexual intimacy with if they so desired. However, the show's sexologists have defended Channel 4's methods, emphasising that the stars were looked after every step of the way.
Celeste and Danielle shared: "A surrogate partner therapist works in conjunction with a traditional licensed therapist and then a client. The therapist is there so if anything emotional comes up for the client that they have someone to process it with, and the surrogate partner can go step-by-step through erotic experiences."
Danielle continued: "During the show, all the coaches, all the practitioners were really mindful about consent. We taught them first to say no. We kept checking, tracking their like nervous system and if they're like recoiling like., 'What's happening?'
"So we're constantly aware of making sure that they are comfortable even though it's not like it was easy, but they're comfortable with the next growing moment."
Virgin Island participant Dave, who was the only person to lose his virginity on the show, has also spoken highly of it, saying: "I had an amazing time on the island… I can't speak highly enough of the experts and production team. 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. It's completely changed my life."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Out
an hour ago
- Time Out
The 11 best budget restaurants in the Winelands
1. Gino's, Stellenbosch Gino's in Dorp Street, Stellenbosch opened its doors in the Winelands in 1996; they're still going strong. Gino's is situated in an atmospheric historical building on a quiet werf (a yard of sorts). Nothing trendy here; it's a true Italian restaurant where they believe in family values and good food – think pizza, pasta, oven-baked melanzane, hearty Italian bean soup at good prices. The recipes have never changed so you know exactly what you're getting. No-one even minds that they don't take bookings; you can wait with a drink in hand served by the friendly staff, some of whom have been there for more than two decades. Once a Gino's follower, always a Gino's follower. 2. Zuus, Paarl Zuus, a Greek restaurant on the Main Road in the heart of Paarl, is the new(ish) kid on the block in this town. They describe themselves as 'a culinary haven of Urban Greek Cuisine' and 'a celebration of the Greek way life'. Potted bougainvillea greet you at the door, with Greek music wafting from the inside. Once inside, blue and white checked table cloths and a delectable Mediterranean menu awaits you with dips like tzatziki, tarama (salata) and skordalia en melenzana. Starters include halloumi and spanakopita, 'in the hand' or 'on the plate' dishes like souvlaki, bifteki or a mixed grill for mains, and desserts such as baklava and phyllo pastry with Greek custard and honey finish things off. 3. Blue Coriander, Franschhoek Blue Coriander is a hidden gem in the true sense of the word. It's unassuming from the outside and inside, it's in a side street and has no bells and whistles. What it does have is North Indian cuisine with bold flavours that deliver above what you expect at their prices. I can definitely vouch for their palak paneer with homemade cheese and spinach cooked in onion masala with fresh cream, something I try wherever I happily stumble upon it. The Aleppy prawn curry was recommended to me; once tasted I understood why! 4. Simondium Country Lodge, Simondium Simondium Country Lodge, on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek, has the charm of yesteryear coupled with warm hospitality and the added bonus of magnificent peacocks strolling around on the grounds. On weekdays, daily lunch specials at the quirky Gordyntjies Restaurant are on offer. Better value for money you will really struggle to find. On Mondays, they have chicken schnitzels with chips and sauce of your choice, Tuesdays wholesome pastas and burgers, Wednesdays pizza, Thursdays – wait for this – afval (tripe) and oxtail with rice, but also burgers for less adventurous eaters, and Fridays a steak special, again with chips and sauce of your choice. Please note that on Saturdays, only breakfast is served until 12:00. 5. Man'oushe Restaurant, Stellenbosch Man'oushe (plural 'manakish') is a popular Lebanese street food, in essence a piece of dough, crispy on the outside and slightly chewy on the inside, topped with an aromatic spice blend, usually za'atar in olive oil, sometimes together with cheese or ground meat. It's usually eaten as breakfast on the go. At Man'oushe Lebanese Bakery in a leafy street in Stellenbosch, doing a brisk trade since 2007, you can not only indulge in traditional man'oushe but also in classic mezze platters, falafel salad, home pickled olives, scrumptious babaganoush, a smoky aubergine dip and many more Levantine delicacies. The owners use some of their grannies' recipes and everything is always served with warm bread. Don't miss the delectable Lebanese pickles. Man'oushe welcomes walk-ins at all times. No wonder there is always a buzz at this street café, with seating inside and outside. 6. Eikehof, Franschhoek Eikehof farm has been in the ownership of the Malherbe family since 1903. It's situated on the R45 less than a 10 minutes' drive from the town of Franschhoek. Under old oak trees as a wisdom of owls peer down at you, a variety of platters are served. If the weather does not allow for this, cozy inside seating is available too, but don't neglect to wander outside to greet the owls. On their cheese platters you will find four different cheeses from Dalewood Fromage; there are also charcuterie, fruit and nut platters on order. 7. Lanzerac Deli, Stellenbosch Driving up the tree-lined avenue leading into Lanzerac prepares you for the spoil that awaits you at the deli at the bottom of this heritage property. On a wintry day, a table upstairs next to the fireplace is ideal; you can even play a game of chess that is all set up for whoever feels like a brainy challenge before or after their meal. Opt for an all-day breakfast (I have my eye on the toasted banana bread for my next pop in), gourmet sandwich or a mac and cheese bowl (I devoured mine with pork and miso mayo smothered with creamy cheesiness). At Lanzerac Deli the team of chefs deliver good food with fresh ingredients and interesting flavours. 8. Perdeberg Wines, Paarl At Perdeberg Wines at the foothills of the Paardeberg Mountain, you can take the whole family – it's truly child-friendly – for a casual meal, seated on wooden benches on the open lawn in summer or at the relaxed bistro-style restaurant. On the menu you will find tapas or sharing plates, hot sandwiches, platters, pizzas, lunch specials such as chicken schnitzel, beef or chicken burgers, rump steak, fish or vegetarian curry, eisbein and a special kids menu. 9. Leopard's Leap, Franschhoek You don't get better than what you'll find at Leopard's Leap Rotisserie Restaurant just outside Franschhoek! This is a spacious establishment where it's easy to chill out. Not only are you in for a relaxing environment with a view over the garden, vineyards and the life-sized bronze sculpture of a leopard by internationally-acclaimed sculptor Dylan Lewis, but here you enjoy tender, juicy roast meats with an array of side dishes from seasonal salads like Asian stir-fry or ingenuous combinations with artichokes, beetroot or blueberries, to roasted veggies such as curried potatoes or creamy vegetable bake, all from their own garden. Your plate of side dishes is weighed, whereafter you choose between pork belly with loads of crackling, lamb, beef or chicken. If you can still manage dessert, there are mini portions of peppermint crisp tart, cheesecake or lemon meringues. A bottle of wine comes at R80 whereas in the rest of the town that is often the price for a glass. 10. Under Oaks Pizzeria, Paarl Under Oaks on the Agter-Paarl Road in Northern Paarl is a bit of a hidden gem, but those in the know, know that this is where you go for delicious thin-crust pizzas baked in a traditional wood-fired oven. There's also a range of pastas and a few a la carte items. In winter, you sit next to cozy fireplaces in an old homestead, while in summer you have an uninterrupted mountain view. The service is warm and friendly, and the atmosphere also warm and inviting. 11. Hudsons The Burger Joint, Stellenbosch Hudsons prides themselves on their 'seriously good burgers'. Let the good times roll, says Hudsons. Everyone who hangs out here, seems to agree. All their patties, beef and chicken, are free range (there are four plant-based burgers too) and come with a range of toppings, including different cheeses, homemade pickles and garlic sauteed mushrooms. All the burgers are served with skin-on fries. On different days there are different specials too, and happy hour is every weekday from 16:30 to 18:30. Head to Hudsons for a casual night out.
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Hollyoaks death confirmed as killer Jez strikes again and claims another victim
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Hollyoaks spoilers follow for Monday's (June 23) episode that is now available to view on Channel 4 streaming. The episode in question will air on E4 on at 7pm. Bloodthirsty Jez Blake (Jeremy Sheffield) has struck again, claiming the life of Ian, a social worker who he believed knew way too much. The crazed killer, as viewers know, has thus far killed Dilly Harcourt (Emma Johnsey-Smith) and Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti) since rocking up in the village. His murder spree, however, dates back decades, with the twisted gardener keeping track of all his victims' names in a notebook which he keeps close. An unexpected turn of events last week confirmed that one of those victims was none other than Dennis Savage (Joe Tracini), whose disappearance Dodger (Danny Mac) is investigating, unaware the culprit is much closer to home. In a bid to get answers, Dodger met with Tori's social worker Ian, who confirmed that a member of the Blake clan was harassing Dennis prior to his vanishing. That person was none other than Jez, who watched the secret meeting from afar, spooking Ian, who swiftly made tracks. However, as he got back to his car, he was confronted by Jez in an alley way, who proceeded to murder him. Feeling a rush as he did so, Jez returned to the flat and informed Martha (Sherrie Hewson), who was less than pleased to learn that he had shed more blood. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! Jez was adamant that it was a necessary kill in order to stop his secrets from spilling out but he soon discovered that he wasn't quite as clever as he thought, with a blackmail letter being posted under the door. More Trending The sender claimed to have witnessed what he did and thus demanded £10,000 in cash – or else! Is Jez finally set to get caught out? Will his murder spree come to an end? Or will he claim the life of his blackmailer instead? View More » Hollyoaks streams Mondays to Wednesdays from 6am on Channel 4's streaming platform, or catch episodes on TV at 7pm on E4 . If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. Join the community by leaving a comment below and stay updated on all things soaps on our homepage. MORE: All Hollyoaks spoilers for next week as killer takes a hostage
Daily Mail
4 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Delta Goodrem celebrates newlywed bliss with husband Matthew Copley as the couple cruise around Malta with celebrity pals in stunning post-wedding yacht party
Delta Goodrem 's wedding celebrations have officially gone offshore. The Aussie pop princess, 40, continued her romantic Maltese nuptials with an extravagant day at sea on Friday, hosting an exclusive yacht party for close friends two days after tying the knot with longtime love Matthew Copley. The group set sail from the coast of Valletta, boarding a luxury chartered yacht to cruise the sparkling Mediterranean in true celebrity style – and not a detail was spared. From diving into the crystal-clear water and soaking up the sun to clinking champagne flutes and sharing sweet moments on deck, the newlyweds and their glamorous guests enjoyed a relaxed yet glitzy day of post-wedding bliss. Before slipping into her swimsuit, Delta was pictured arriving in a stunning powder-blue sleeveless gown that hugged her frame and featured a dramatic draped detail at the waist. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, . Delta was seen laughing and jumping into the water with her husband before the pair embraced in a cheeky kiss on the cheek while cooling off in the Mediterranean She accessorised with oversized white sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sunhat, flashing a huge smile as she laughed with friends and waved to onlookers. Delta later changed into a cobalt-blue one-piece swimsuit with stylish side cut-outs and tie detailing. The singer paired her look with gold bangles and her jaw-dropping diamond wedding ring. Delta's husband, musician Matthew Copley, made a stylish arrival, stepping onto the dock in a classic black collared shirt, crisp white shorts, and dark espadrilles. He carried a monogrammed tote bag and looked every bit the effortlessly chic groom. Later, he ditched the shirt and was seen relaxing on deck, wrapped in a white towel, sipping champagne and chatting with friends. In one sweet moment, Delta was seen laughing and jumping into the water with her husband before the pair embraced in a cheeky kiss on the cheek while cooling off in the Mediterranean. Delta later changed into a cobalt-blue one-piece swimsuit with stylish side cut-outs and tie detailing Among the guest list was Nine entertainment reporter Richard Wilkins, who looked cool and collected in a black button-up shirt and dark sunglasses. He was joined by partner Mia Hawkswell, who rocked a sleek black bikini with a bold red sarong tied around her waist. The couple were seen mingling with guests on the deck and enjoying the ocean breeze as festivities kicked into full swing. Delta's mother, Lea, and brother, Trent, were also spotted onboard, soaking up the sun as the Goodrem-Copley clan celebrated their big milestone. Guests at the ultra-private wedding reportedly received detailed schedules months in advance, with the celebration marking the culmination of a two-year planning process. Delta and Matthew officially said 'I do' in the most romantic setting imaginable. The singer married her longtime love and guitarist in the same country where they got engaged last year. The wedding, which took place on Monday, was an extravagant multi-day celebration attended by the couple's nearest and dearest. Delta and Matt couldn't keep their hands off one another while in the water The star-studded nuptials had reportedly been two years in the making, with guests receiving detailed schedules ahead of the big day. The Innocent Eyes hitmaker enjoyed her hen's party in Sydney back on April 26, surrounded by close friends before jetting overseas for the lavish affair. Delta recently wrapped up a series of exclusive shows in the UK to mark 20 years since her iconic Mistaken Identity album, but it wasn't just her singing that had people talking. The songstress, who has remained private about her personal life, got engaged to Matthew, her guitarist and musical collaborator, in September 2023. 'My best friend asked me to marry him,' she giddily captioned the image, alongside a ring emoji. Delta also shared footage of the precious moment to the social media platform. Malta holds a particularly special place in her heart – not only was it the setting for her romantic engagement to Matthew, but it also boasts deep personal and professional ties for the singer. In a video shared on YouTube in 2023, Delta opened up about her bond with the southern European nation. 'My partner's family are all from Malta,' she said, before adding that many of her longtime band members and backup singers also share Maltese heritage.
