Channel 4’s Virgin Island could’ve been sensitive – I found it exploitative
Does the entire nation really need to be watching?
There’s no end to the wild, weird 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 who the fastest – whether emotionally or physically – it’s instead all 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 than ever and the norm is for most people to get intimate sooner rather than later.
And it’s rare to see the 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 definitely has an important place in some shape or form – as stated by those who are taking part in the show as well.
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, their embarrassment, stress, and desire to change things absolutely 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 them 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.
Likewise the group exercises – led by sex experts Celeste and Danielle – which start tame enough with some 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.
