Channel 4’s Virgin Island could have been sensitive – I found it exploitative
Does the entire nation really need to be watching?
There’s no end to the wild and wacky reality shows on British TV – but watching Virgin Island last night makes me feel like we have gone too far.
The new Channel 4 series promises a ‘radical retreat’ with a ‘very hands-on’ experience for the 12 ‘adult virgins’ who are looking to take the next step in intimacy, all aged between 22 and 30.
It’s definitely a unique type of show in the realm of relationship-based reality TV.
In a world of Too Hot To Handle, Love Island and Love is Blind, where the contestants have few, if any, qualms about intimacy, Virgin Island is taking a completely different approach.
This isn’t a dating show.
It’s not about who can get with whom the fastest – whether emotionally or physically – it’s instead about working with the individual to tackle the insecurities blocking them from losing their virginity.
Handled sensitively, this could have been a good way to open up some interesting conversations (Picture: Channel 4)I can see where the show is coming from. We live in an era where porn consumption is at an all-time high, there’s less societal judgment around expressing sexuality and the norm is for people to get intimate sooner rather than later.
It’s rare to see discussion around those who may be coming to it later in life.
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So bringing representation to the screen that helps people feel seen and less alone has an important place – something that those who are taking part in the show agree on.
Introducing themselves, the participants share their reasons for not having sex yet and some of their motivations for taking part.
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Previous Page Next PageSome struggled with body issues, others battled social anxiety, while a few of the contestants in their early 20s found Covid held them back.
Their stories were valid and understandable while their embarrassment, stress and desire to change things were palpable.
Handled sensitively, this could have been a good way to open up some interesting conversations.
But Virgin Island didn’t do that.
A lot of the contestants clearly feel uncomfortable (Picture: Channel 4)As our ‘absolutely terrified’ stars arrive on the island there’s no wasting time as they get to know each other and they are quickly put in front of the cameras to bare their innermost thoughts. It’s uneasy watching.
The group exercises – led by sex experts Celeste and Danielle – start tame enough with breathing exercises and a lesson on consent.
It starts to escalate when the reality contestants gather to watch Celeste and another expert, Andre, simulate an exercise where they rub against each other and moan.
A lot of them clearly feel uncomfortable by the display, and although the narrator implies their lack of experience is fuelling their discomfort, it still doesn’t sit right for the audience.
