Viewers of Virgin Island found themselves feeling pretty uncomfortable during Tuesday’s episode when contestants faced a rather unusual task.

Instead of the usual conversations or dating challenges, the participants were asked to rub and wriggle against the show’s sex and relationship experts in an exercise that many called “weird” and downright awkward.

The show centers on 12 adults who have never had sex before.

These virgins travel to a retreat in Croatia, hoping to overcome their fears and insecurities through various exercises designed to help them open up to intimacy and, ultimately, lose their virginity.

Exploring Touch Therapy with Sexperts

Leading this particular workshop were sex coaches Celeste Hirschman and Danielle Harel, who you might recognize from Gwyneth Paltrow’s Netflix series Sex, Love & Goop.

Their approach involved “touch therapy,” a concept that encourages participants to connect with their inner selves through physical expression.

Celeste explained the exercise, saying, “Feel your senses. Close your eyes and we start to feel the animal inside of us and we let that animal go after the other person. Actually letting it move and letting it out of our body.”

The moment got very real when drama student Tom, 23, paired up with Celeste.

The two writhed and rubbed against each other in front of the other contestants, sparking visible discomfort.

Several cast members awkwardly looked away or even hid behind pillows to avoid watching.

Despite the awkwardness, Tom enjoyed the experience, describing it as “a lot of fun.”

Meanwhile, receptionist Taylor, 29, commented on her feelings watching the scene, comparing it to a mix of The Jungle Book and Downton Abbey — a strange combo that summed up her mix of fascination and unease perfectly.

Emotional Hurdles and Vulnerability on Display

The sexperts invited other contestants to participate, and Charlotte, a 29-year-old care worker, stepped forward tentatively.

But she backed out when Ben, 30, a civil servant, volunteered to join her.

Ben then opened up about how the task triggered childhood insecurities about his appearance due to bullying, creating a heartbreaking moment on the show.

Charlotte eventually completed the challenge with Danielle, admitting she felt aroused during the experience, which added another layer of complexity to the show’s emotional landscape.

Social Media Reacts: Shock and Confusion

As the episode aired, social media lit up with viewers expressing shock and confusion.

Comments ranged from disbelief — “Where did Tom come from?” — to outright discomfort — “Well, this is uncomfortable.”

Many admitted they had to look away or hide behind a pillow themselves.

Some viewers poked fun at the odd animal roleplay, comparing it to “furries without costumes” and questioning the show’s approach to intimacy.

Critics and Fans Weigh In on the Series

Virgin Island has sparked significant debate since its debut.

Claudia Connell of The Mail labeled it “cruel, exploitative, and horribly uncomfortable to watch.”

Fans on social platforms echoed these sentiments, with some calling it a “new low” for television.

The series follows sexologists Dr. Danielle and Celeste, who hold impressive qualifications: Dr. Danielle has a PhD in Human Sexuality and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work, while Celeste has a Master’s in Human Sexuality Studies and degrees in Women’s Studies and sociology.

Together, they guide the contestants through emotional and physical challenges aimed at overcoming their intimacy hurdles.

Meet the Contestants: Stories Behind the Virgins

Each contestant brings a unique story to the show, sharing their struggles and hopes:

Emma, 23, Food Worker: Felt isolated as the only virgin among her friends and realized she wasn’t as alone as she thought.
Ben, 30, Civil Servant: Initially hesitant but joined after a friend’s suggestion, battling insecurities from childhood bullying.
Dave, 24, Accountant: Turned a joke into an opportunity to reclaim his confidence and visibility.
Jason, 25, Admin Worker: Found the island helped him socially as much as intimately.
Louise, 22, Care Advisor: Took a chance after a friend’s joke application, confronting feelings of shame.
Charlotte, 29, Care Worker: Wanted to overcome shame around her body and pleasure.
Holly, 23, Dog Groomer: Faced anxiety but was ready to take steps toward intimacy.
Pia, 23, Digital Marketing Assistant: Dealt with vaginismus and anxiety about sex.
Taylor, 29, Receptionist: Questioned why sex was difficult for her while others seemed to manage easily.
Tom, 23, Drama Student: Felt like an outsider due to his virginity and struggled with self-loathing.
Viraj, 25, Personal Trainer: Struggled with confidence in talking to women rather than intimacy itself.
Zac, 23, Delivery Driver: Initially rejected the idea but realized he needed change.

What’s Next for Virgin Island?

The series continues to challenge these adults emotionally and physically, pushing them out of their comfort zones to find connection and intimacy in a raw, sometimes messy, but very human way.

The next episodes promise more personal breakthroughs, emotional revelations, and, undoubtedly, moments that will keep viewers talking — whether with discomfort, fascination, or empathy.