.png)
One of Channel 4's most unusual reality offerings is back. In Virgin Island, a group of people with limited experiences of intimacy come together to work with therapists on their insecurities, shame and fears — and experience some of their first sexual encounters. The show returns to Channel 4 on 27 April at 9pm.
It may initially seem like a fairly exploitative show, but it does put the spotlight just how much fear and shame there still is when it comes to sex. It's certainly an interesting and confusing time: studies show that Gen Z is in a so-called sex recession, and meanwhile, people are exposed to porn at a younger age than ever. Then there's the fact that the body positivity movement seems to be travelling in reverse. It's only natural that real young people in the UK feel uncomfortable with sexual intimacy — and often don't even know where to begin.
Last year, one of the participants, Emma, told us at Glamour, “I think it's really good that Channel 4 is taking the leap and breaking the stigma and doing something which other people don't want to do.”
She added, “I do hope we can steer away from the idea that being a virgin is something to be ashamed of or something you should be embarrassed about, because I don't think it's that case at all. If you want to protect your vulnerability and save it for someone who deserves it, I don't think that should be something that people think is negative.”
“I just want young women to feel inspired, empowered, and that they're not alone in the journey that we're all on.”
So, who are the brave participants heading to Virgin Island this year? Let's meet them…
Alex
From: Exeter
Age: 28
Job: Data analyst
Alex joins the show after facing anxiety around sex in his previous relationships. “I applied because anxiety had become tangled up with sex and pleasure for me, to the point that intimacy felt like fear, pressure and performance rather than enjoyment,” he said. “I wanted expert help to break that cycle, get out of my head, and learn to approach sex as something safe, connected and fun.”
On the island, he learned that “pleasure isn’t transactional — someone can enjoy giving, and I didn’t need to overthink it.”
Bertie
From: Taunton
Age: 24
Job: Event volunteer
A self-professed “Grade A virgin,” Bertie joined the show to help him manage his low self-esteem and anxiety. “After watching series one, I applied to build self-confidence and learn practical skills around dating and intimacy,” he said.
He added, “Stepping outside my comfort zone, most workshops and 1:1 exercises were completely new to me. I kept reminding myself I was there to push my limits, and I’m proud I did.”
Callum
From: Preston
Age: 21
Job: Unemployed
Callum is the youngest of the cast this year. He lives in his dad's old house, who died two years ago.
“I wanted to change more than my ‘virgin’ label,” he said, explaining why he joined the show. “I wanted to shift my mindset, get motivated, and start living more fully. I’d been spending too much time alone in my room gaming and I knew I needed help to break that pattern.”
Ed
From: Staffs
Age: 27
Job: Unemployed
Ed was born with Poland Syndrome, leaving him with a limb difference. He also had surgery to correct a missing pectoral muscle.
“After seeing series one, the show immediately resonated,” he said. “It felt like a rare chance to get real help with the sex and intimacy issues I’d struggled with for a long time.”
Ellen
From: Hayward's Heath
Age: 35
Job: Childcare practitioner
Ellen was never taught about sex at home or at school and worries she will “do it wrong.”
“I applied after watching series one and realising the kind of therapy on the show actually existed,” she said. “I’d felt alone and embarrassed about my anxiety around sex and intimacy, and I wanted support to build confidence in my sexuality and finally feel comfortable giving and receiving pleasure.”
One of her most memorable moments was “a surprise one-to-one session with Shelby,” she said. “It was challenging, but also genuinely fun. The workshops also helped me let go of a lot of shame.”
Jason
From: Manchester
Age: 26
Job: Postman
Jason has always struggled with intimacy. “I didn't apply myself — my friends applied to it but I decided to go with it after watching a few episodes,” he said. “I honestly didn't know what I'd hope to get out of the experience beyond vague ideas of improving my confidence with women.”
Jason cites a moment with Alex as one of the most impactful.
Joy
From: Falmouth
Age: 22
Job: Event coordinator
Joy is a Christian who has struggled with religious shame as well as vaginismus, which can make sex painful.
“The biggest challenge for me was battling feelings of shame throughout the retreat, which were almost debilitating at times,” said Joy. “The purity culture I was raised in does not allow for sexual experiences outside of the heterosexual marriage mould (even if the end goal of that exploration is primarily to insert a tampon). I am so grateful for the other contributors, for Ilil’s therapeutic approach and for the attentive welfare team, all helping me feel supported and safe as I navigated this sensitive issue.”
Katie
From: Peterborough
Age: 22
Job: Nanny
Katie struggled with bullying in school and was even voted “ugliest girl in school,” which led to long-lasting confidence issues. “I applied to be on Virgin Island because I felt really behind when it came to anything dating and sexual,” said Katie. “I was also so insecure and hated my appearance and have struggled with that my entire life. I thought that the therapy would be able to help me with these struggles and manage my insecurities. I hoped to come out with more confidence, some experience to take into the outside world.”
Marianne
From: London
Age: 26
Job: Theatre hospitality
Marianne tends to freeze and shut down during intimate encounters.
“Living with ADHD, I work very hard to take care of my mental health and to work through personal challenges,” she explained. “But I’ve always felt that, when it comes to certain aspects of physical intimacy, there’s a wall I haven’t been able to get past. Even though I understand why I am the way I am, I’ve struggled to figure out how to move forward.”
During her time on Virgin Island, Marianne found herself checking in with herself. “With that came a lot of mental exhaustion because it is intense therapy. However, I was so fortunate to have a lot of support, but it was definitely challenging,” she said.
Millie
From: Dudley
Age: 22
Job: Theatre usher
Millie has started to fear intimacy since moving back home after university. “I applied to be on Virgin Island to find peace and overcome personal challenges,” said Millie. “After three years at university, and avoiding romantic opportunities, I feared losing myself and being alone forever. I knew I had unresolved issues that needed addressing to progress in life and of course to have great sex. I hoped to come away from the from therapy confident, carefree, knowledgeable about female anatomy, and overall accepting of myself.”
Tegan
From: Glasgow
Age: 25
Job: Accountant
Tegan, who came out as gay seven years ago, has struggled to get beyond first dates. “I decided to apply to Virgin Island because I was feeling like I was succeeding in every part of my life aside from my romantic and sexual life,” Tegan, who recently bought a home, said. “I have a steady job and my own home, but I had never gotten past the first date or done anything more than kiss someone drunk in a nightclub. I lacked a lot of self-confidence, and I was lacking any sort of experience with sexual intimacy, so I was afraid of not knowing what I was doing in the bedroom.”
Will
From: Solihull
Age: 30
Job: Landscape gardener
Will joined the show to get past his fear of premature ejaculation.
“My friend sent me the application and I thought, 'Well, what's the worst that can happen?'” he said. “I have had a fear of premature ejaculation for a long time and hoped this was something the therapists may be able to help me with.”
He added, "The biggest challenge I faced was the ups & downs of the emotional therapy. Whilst it was mainly ups, dealing with the long-term feeling of being unwanted was indeed a challenge."
