It’s not every day that a TV show stirs up such mixed emotions across the board, but Channel 4’s latest reality series Virgin Island has done just that.
Since its premiere on Monday, May 12, people haven’t stopped talking about the provocative concept – and not all the chatter has been positive.
The show features 12 adults, all of whom have never had sex, as they travel to a retreat on a Croatian island in hopes of exploring physical intimacy in a safe and therapeutic environment.
But what’s really caught everyone’s attention – and raised eyebrows – is the inclusion of sex surrogates, individuals who offer hands-on help where talk therapy might fall short.
Sue Cleaver Voices Her Concerns on Loose Women
Actress Sue Cleaver didn’t hold back when discussing the show during Tuesday’s episode of Loose Women.
Chatting alongside Ruth Langsford, Coleen Nolan, and Sunetra Sarker, the Coronation Street star admitted she was deeply uneasy about what she saw.
“Ruth, do you want to feel desirable after watching that show?” Sue asked, clearly shaken.
“There are therapists and then these surrogates – I assume that’s what they are – who actually get physical with the participants. Is that even ethical?”
Ruth quickly jumped in to explain that Channel 4 insists all intimacy work was carefully overseen by trained experts using trauma-informed practices.
Still, Sue wasn’t convinced. “It’s a very grey area when you get involved in that,” she added with a worried expression.
A Delicate Power Dynamic at Play
Sunetra chimed in with an important point – many of the individuals on Virgin Island had never even experienced a simple human touch. “They’ve been bullied,” she explained.
“They don’t see themselves as attractive.”
That hit home for Sue. “Exactly. You’ve got vulnerable people there, and there’s a clear power dynamic.
That kind of imbalance can be really dangerous.”
Sunetra reminded the group that everyone on the show had given consent, but Sue questioned how valid that consent really is when people are deeply unsure, nervous, and carrying emotional baggage around intimacy. “It just doesn’t sit right with me,” she said.
Channel 4 Defends Its Ethical Practices
In response to the growing concern, Channel 4 released a statement assuring viewers that the wellbeing of participants was a top priority.
“Duty of care is of paramount importance,” they wrote.
The network confirmed that contributors went through psychological screenings, received support before and after filming, and had access to trauma-informed professionals throughout.
Every single intimacy-related moment was guided by licensed experts, including certified surrogates Kat Slade and Andre Lazarus.
Surrogates Say Their Work Is Deeply Therapeutic
Surrogates like Kat and Andre aren’t just for show.
Kat is a certified somatic practitioner, while Andre is trained in intimacy, sex, and relationship coaching.
Their role involves guiding participants through real physical intimacy – including intercourse, if necessary – as part of their healing journey.
On Lorraine, guest Celia Walden admitted she was squirming in her seat while watching the show.
“It’s one of those things you peek at through your fingers,” she joked.
“The surrogates are like intimacy coaches, and they really do go all the way.”
TV personality Tyler West wasn’t sold either.
“Imagine your therapist starts kissing your neck!” he laughed. “That’s not going to fix anything.”
The Participants Speak Out on This Morning
Despite the controversy, two contestants from the show – Jason, 25, and Taylor, 29 – defended the process during their appearance on This Morning.
Jason clarified that while he didn’t personally work with a surrogate, others did – and the experience was far from exploitative.
“They’re there for the physical side of things, to guide you,” he explained.
Taylor added that it’s not about hooking up with a stranger – it’s therapy in a safe, structured environment. “It’s better than fumbling around with someone new at home,” she said.
“You’re guided through it step-by-step, and it’s actually very calming.”
Social Media Reacts With Shock and Skepticism
Not everyone watching from home was on board. Social media lit up with a mix of shock, amusement, and confusion.
Some questioned whether people were just desperate for TV fame, while others criticized the show’s premise altogether.
“Honestly, who approves this stuff?” one user posted. Another added, “Yet another wild reality show.”
Therapists Behind the Scenes Explain the Method
Sexologists Danielle and Celeste, who work closely with the show’s production, spoke to MailOnline to explain the process in greater depth.
According to Celeste, the connection between a client and a surrogate is meant to be as real as possible – complete with potential performance issues and honest communication.
“It mirrors real relationships,” she said. “And if feelings do arise, that’s okay.
There’s a triadic relationship between the therapist, the surrogate, and the client to help work through those emotions.”
Danielle added that everyone involved understood the boundaries.
“It’s a therapeutic modality,” she emphasized. “No one was confused about what this was.”
Can Therapy Be Physical? Experts Say Yes
While traditional therapy often stops at the emotional level, Virgin Island explores what happens when intimacy becomes part of healing.
For people struggling with long-term dysfunction or fear around sex, physical surrogacy offers a route that talking alone may not.
Celeste explained, “Sometimes the dysfunction is so deeply rooted that you need to engage the body, not just the mind.”
A Show That’s Redefining Reality TV – But Not Without Questions
Whether you find it powerful or problematic, Virgin Island is forcing viewers – and experts – to rethink how intimacy, vulnerability, and therapy can intersect on screen.
Is it just another edgy reality show pushing the limits for ratings? Or is it a sincere attempt at helping people who’ve never known what it feels like to be touched, accepted, and loved?