Latest news with #CelesteHirschman
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Virgin Island staff 'hit with strict bedroom ban' behind the scenes of Channel 4's raunchy TV hit
It might have been all about first-time thrills on screen, but behind the cameras of Virgin Island, things were far less steamy. While the series followed 12 virgins hoping to ditch their inexperience on national telly, it has been claimed that those working behind the scenes - including intimacy coaches Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman - were slapped with a strict sex ban. A source told The Sun: 'Location shoots like this are usually a hotbed for hook-ups. But Virgin Island was no fun for anyone except the virgins. 'Production wanted to make them feel comfortable and unintimidated. 'This sort of crew sex ban is unheard of in the TV world, but is very responsible of Channel 4.' MailOnline has contact Channel 4 for comment. 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. It comes after the controversial show broke streaming records and sparked 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 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. 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!?'; '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..'
Daily Mirror
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
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."
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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..'
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
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. 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. 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.
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Future of Channel 4's Virgin Island revealed after Ofcom hit with complaints over controversial show
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT'S the controversial Channel 4 show that invited 12 people to pop their cherries on telly. And now I can reveal that Virgin Island is ready for its second coming. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 I can reveal that Virgin Island is ready for its second coming Credit: Channel 4 2 The Channel 4 relationship show invited 12 virgins to pop their cherries on telly Credit: Channel 4 The broadcaster has begun casting for a new flock of innocents who want the help of show sexperts Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman. Virgin Island followed the journey of a dozen young people as they learnt the art of intimacy on a Croatian beach. Working with the therapists and a team of 'surrogate partners' and 'sexological bodyworkers' the aim was to help them overcome their fears and insecurities when it comes to intimacy and sex. But the showraised eyebrows, with controversial scenes including one where Danielle snogged one of the participants, delivery driver Zac. READ MORE TV NEWS PARTY QUEEN Reality TV legend Gemma Collins voted celeb Brits most want to party with It proved to be a big hit with viewers, though, and became Channel 4's most streamed new format since 2023 — especially with that important 16-34 age group. For that younger age group, it was the biggest launch for six years since Michael Jackson factual piece, Leaving Neverland. A source said: '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.' The more important news, though, is the programme managed to fulfil its central aim and helped a few of the not-so-dirty dozen to shed their V plates. Virgin Island viewers outraged over 'uncomfortable' moment with sex expert as they brand show 'creepy' I told last week how accountant Dave went all the way with surrogate Kat Slade, with a handful following his lead once back in the UK. Let's hope their success inspires another brave lot to come forward for round two.
