Some Channel 4 viewers say the boundary-pushing series is actually transformative
Aaliyah Rugg Under 35s Screen Time reporter
11:54, 13 May 2026
Virgin Island follows 12 adult virgins on a journey of sexual self discovery(Image: Double Act )
Channel 4 audiences have condemned “disgusting” content as they demand the broadcaster’s most divisive programme be axed.
Last month saw Virgin Island return for a fresh series, once again documenting 12 adult virgins embarking on a journey of sexual self-discovery at an upmarket retreat. The provocative programme features participants taking part in a practical intimacy bootcamp led by sex therapy professionals.
Despite every episode airing post-9pm watershed, the Channel 4 show’s explicit content continues sparking outrage among Channel 4 audiences. From hands-on exercises to exploring climax, Virgin Island charts the personal growth and daily obstacles encountered by the adult virgins.
Virgin Island is available to stream on Channel 4 online(Image: Double Act )
With the second series concluding next week (Monday, 18 May), Channel 4 uploaded a controversial clip from recent instalments to social media, prompting viewers to condemn the “disgusting” footage. The clip, posted on Instagram, shows participant Bertie taking part in an anatomy session.
One viewer remarked: “Absolutely diabolical.” Another stated: “This is the most disturbing disgusting thing ever to be put in tv !!this is so so wrong in every way!!”, reports the Mirror.
A third responded: “Somethings don’t need to be aired on TV. The world is getting crazier by the day.” A fourth raged: “Get this filth off the tv, it’s vile.”
A fifth person said: “I’ve just been sick into my mouth.” Another remarked: “Some things dont need to be on TV.” Nevertheless, Virgin Island remains a divisive programme, with some viewers praising it as groundbreaking.
One viewer wrote on Instagram: “This is what healthy sexual relationships and communication looks like. It’s mad that people fine this weird. Literally two adults communicating and respect each other.”
Virgin Island continues to divide Channel 4 viewers(Image: Double Act )
Another came to the programme’s defence: “Simply put, if you don’t like watching it or find it creepy or uncomfortable… scroll on or don’t watch it. I understand that it’s a bit out there for a tv channel but I’m sure there is an audience with similar experiences that will find it helpful and maybe help them be less anxious in the future.
“Perhaps the participants on the show know they will be able to reach likeminded people and are willing to risk embarrassment for it. To ideally ridicule them and what they are doing/learning without having even watched it, is very saddening.”
They continued: “Pop your minds back to your first time and remember if you had worries or insecurities…now add mental disability or deep routed religious beliefs or medical abnormalities that might make this milestone in life seem unreachable…this is what some of these brave people are facing.
“I think it’s very brave to do this on national TV and I really hope it reaches the correct audience… not judgmental people acting like they can’t just unfollow pages, scroll on or simply resist mocking who are less comfortable with their sexuality… blimey there’s so many shows and movies out there more difficult content to watch…”
In a previous interview with the Mirror, sex expert Celeste Hirschman defended the show, stating: “The proof is in the pudding. The transformations are unbelievable, and in the second season as well.”
Virgin Island can be streamed on Channel 4