By Robert Oliver
Copyright metro
This ‘exploitative’ series was defended by many viewers – and now season two applications have gone up (Picture: Channel 4)
One of Channel 4’s most unexpected and controversial hits of recent times is apparently already inundated with applications for season two.
Virgin Island, which launched on Channel 4 earlier this year, followed a dozen adult virgins as they explored intimacy, relationships, and personal growth.
The series became a hit and was celebrated for combining many traditional reality TV elements with professional coaching and intimacy therapy.
A second season of the series was announced back in June, with Channel 4 beginning the search for new stars almost immediately – and it appears that search has generated quite a response.
Reports have suggested that Channel 4 has become inundated with responses after the first season pleasantly surprised thousands with its empathic approach to its subject matter.
A source told The Sun: ‘When Virgin island was first advertised last year, nobody was entirely sure what it was or even if it was some kind of joke.
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‘But seeing what it entailed drastically boosted the numbers wanting to be on it. It proved particularly popular with young people.’
Among viewers in the age 16 to 34 demographic, Virgin Island apparently became Channel 4’s biggest ever unscripted series and clearly kicked off plans to continue making more.
‘It’s been such a thrill to watch this show catch fire,’ said Virgin Island commissioning editor Jonah Weston. ‘From the brave cast to our wonderful experts I don’t think I’ve ever worked on anything quite so bold, warm and well-intentioned.’
Virgin Island saw 12 adult virgins testing their limits (Picture: Channel 4)
Viewers argued over whether the series was ‘exploitative’ or ‘sensitive’ (Picture: Channel 4)
Ian Katz, chief content officer at Channel 4, added: ‘Virgin Island is the kind of show only Channel 4 would make, exploring an important but under-discussed social issue with warmth, sensitivity and wit.
‘We’re delighted that it resonated with younger viewers and that the men and women who took part found it such a constructive experience.’
However, not everyone found Virgin Island to be a completely rewarding experience, with some critics revealing they felt uncomfortable while watching on.
Writing for Metro, Asyia Ifitkhar said: ‘It’s uneasy watching… the tone doesn’t feel educational, it feels exploitative and is opening up those involved to sharing vulnerabilities to a world that is not always kind.
‘For the most part, these people are struggling with familiar problems around body image issues and low self-esteem’ (Picture: Channel 4)
‘For the most part, these people are struggling with familiar problems around body image issues and low self-esteem. Not something we need to see unpacked on TV in this way.’
However, also writing for Metro, Danni Scott agreed that some moments ‘felt like it was less about helping and more focused on shock value’ but ultimately disagreed.
‘All of the participants were adults who signed up of their own free will and have not expressed any negative emotions about their time on the show publicly… many have said it gave them a newfound confidence.’
Regardless, the series which has been called ‘creepy’ but ‘surprisingly empathetic’, and ‘dystopian’ but also ‘sensitive’, will be coming back for a second go round in 2026.
Catch up with Virgin Island on Channel 4.
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