'i’m an adult virgin and this is why i signed up to have sex on tv'

Channel 4's latest reality offering Virgin Island has proven to be one of its most divisive yet. The series follows 12 young adults aged between 22 and 30 as they attempt to overcome

their fear of intimacy and have sex for the first time. As per the official synopsis: "This warm, authentic and thought-provoking series explores these issues as some of the world’s

leading sexologists take the twelve courageous virgins on a unique, hands-on programme, to help them take their first steps towards sex and intimacy. "But, with so many of the group

terrified of even being touched, will any be able to fall in love, fall into bed… or even achieve their ultimate aim of losing their virginity?" The six-part show premiered on May 12,

leaving viewers divided. While some have praised the show as heartwarming, others have described it as an awkward and even "shocking" watch, especially given the hands-on role

sexperts Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschmann take with their young clients, all in full view of the cameras. Ahead of the series airing, the participants opened up about their reasons

for taking part. Care worker Charlotte, 29, had a heartwarming response when asked why she wanted to appear on the series. "I wanted to rid myself of my shame that I had surrounding my

body, and my desire, and my ability to give myself pleasure, I wanted to be honest with myself so that I would not be hindered when having relationships in the future," she admitted.

Meanwhile accountant Dave, 24, said while he initially saw it as a "joke", it soon became "the opportunity of a lifetime." He shared: "I have always struggled to

open up to people in any manner as I'm naturally very cautious. This led me to feel invisible. A feeling I couldn't take anymore." Food worker Emma, 23, said she felt the

series "shines light on a topic some people may typically tiptoe around or find controversial." She continued: "The fact that this concept was being brought to TV made me

realise being over 21 and never having sex was not as rare as I thought it was. I think important attention is being brought to the fact that statistics show a significant decline in sexual

activity since the 2000s." Meanwhile the show's youngest participant, 22-year-old care advisor Louise, said she had initially "never imagined" taking part in a reality

show like Virgin Island, but quickly changed her mind. "My friend actually sent me the application as a joke, and I thought, ‘Why not?’ I was at the point where I was willing to try

anything and had just accepted that there must’ve just been something wrong with me - I think the fact that my friends would see the word ‘virgin’ and think of me says enough to be

honest," she confessed. _VIRGIN ISLAND AIRS MONDAYS AND TUESDAYS AT 9PM ON CHANNEL 4, WITH EACH EPISODE THEN MADE AVAILABLE TO STREAM ON CHANNEL 4 ON DEMAND_