Virgin Island sparked controversy last month, but bosses reportedly made a great move for the sake of its contestants.
Last month, the divisive Channel 4 reality show saw 12 adult virgins guided by seven experts to help explore their intimacy issues, with viewers split over how to feel.
Some people found it all a bit cringeworthy, while others were concerned about the care of vulnerable people appearing on the series.
Now, it’s been reported that show bosses placed a sex ban on the crew, including experts and therapists Danielle Harel, Celeste Hirschman.
Given the intimate nature of the show, it was apparently decided that the ban would be appropriate to make sure everyone was comfortable.
‘Location shoots like this are usually a hotbed for hook-ups. But Virgin Island was no fun for anyone except the virgins,’ a source told The Sun.
The insider told the outlet that ‘production wanted to make them feel comfortable and unintimidated’.
They added: ‘This sort of crew sex ban is unheard of in the TV world, but is very responsible of Channel 4.’
Last month, the first series reached its climax after breaking records for the broadcaster, who noted the show rose ‘to the top of Channel 4’s list of new unscripted launches for share of 16-34s since modern records began’.
Virgin Island’s figures placed it above the likes of Supernanny, The Jury: Murder Trial and the original series of Married At First Sight, while almost nine million people tuned in across the run.
It’s not surprising, then, that Channel 4 want to go another round, with a second season already in the pipeline.
The broadcaster’s measures to make everyone comfortable appears to have worked, as series one participant Dave insisted they all felt ‘so safe and secure’ on set.
In a statement encouraging people to apply for the next series, he said:
Series one participant, Dave, said of his experience: ‘Anyone who has watched the show will have seen how much my confidence grew over the course of the series, and I can’t speak highly enough of the experts and production team for making us feel so safe and secure.’
He added: ‘I was lucky enough to achieve the ultimate aim of the series whilst on the Island, and I can’t wait to see the next group of participants go on the same journey – I would wholly encourage anyone with enough courage and resilience to apply, it’s completely changed my life.’
Applications for season 2 are open now, with Channel 4 and Double Act Productions putting some strict restrictions in place for anyone looking to get involved.
‘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.’
As well as needing to have seen the first season, virgins hoping to take part will face a series of Zoom interviews, and some ‘one-to-one meetings’ in London over the summer.
The application form explains: ‘If invited to take part in the retreat, you may be required for a day’s interview filming in the UK around September 2025.
‘You must then be available to film at the retreat for approx. three weeks abroad in autumn 2025. You are responsible for getting the permitted time off work or study, if relevant.’
Metro has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
Virgin Island is available to stream on ITVX.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
