Latest news with #AndreLazarus
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Virgin Island's male sex surrogate reveals what REALLY happens when he's not attracted to a client - but has to perform in bed
Virgin Island's male sex surrogate has revealed what really happens when he's not attracted to a client - but has to perform in bed. Andre Lazarus and Kat Slade sat down with Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley on Thursday's instalment of This Morning. The pair star on Channel 4 's shocking new show which sees sexologists Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman and their team, guide a group of 12 virgins on a unique course. Since launching earlier this month, viewers have seen the contributors, all aged between 22 and 30 years old, overcome a range of emotional hurdles to take their first steps towards sex and intimacy. Sessions with a surrogate partner is one of the approaches some of the contributors get involved in, and Andre opened up more about the dynamics of the relationship. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Intimacy does involve attraction, physically there has to be something that happens to a man if it's going to go further as well, how do you manage that Andre if you've got a client that perhaps you aren't sexually attracted to but wants to take that further?' Ben asked. Andre, who has been a surrogate partner for four years, said: 'Physically, I would say that as a man we don't have to have all of our body parts working in order to form intimate connection or in order to have physical intimacy be something that feels good in our body.' The Channel 4 star went on to explain how he felt it was a 'common misconception'. He went on: 'Really what we can do is tune into our body and say I'm enjoying touch, I'm enjoying kissing, I'm enjoying hugging and that can be an intimate moment and then that takes us out of our head which allows the rest of our body to come online.' During the conversation, Cat asked how they 'keep things separate'. Kat divulged that they don't 'differentiate emotions and the physical side of things'. She explained: 'We don't try to keep them separate, we really want all of that to be a part of the process I mean it wouldn't really help people to learn the physical without really being in it emotionally, so we welcome all of it.' Sexologists Danielle and Celeste previously discussed surrogate partnership with MailOnline. Celeste describes the relationship between the client and surrogate as 'authentic' and shared how the dynamic can reflect what would happen in a 'real relationships', including the possibility of 'performance problems' from either the surrogate or client. 'It is really an authentic relationship,' she explained. 'So one thing that can happen in a relationship is that someone has performance problems, and so they would just communicate about it and say, oh, you know, something's not working here. Let's take a break. Let's try again.' The sexologist added: 'That authenticity is what actually prepares people to have real relationships out in the world. 'So it's not just like trying to force something and a lot of times surrogates do work with people who have pretty significant dysfunctions, and so they need to work with those kinds of things, both in their clients and if it comes up in themselves as well.' There's a 'triadic relationship' between the client, surrogate and a separate therapist to help tackle issues, including if the client develops feelings. Celeste explained: 'They have the therapist built into the relationship, because if feelings become developed, the therapist is available to talk the client through whatever feelings that they have around it.' She added: 'The therapist is there to keep that the container and the boundaries.' Danielle expressed that on the show, the boundaries in the relationship were clear between the contributors and surrogates. While Tuesday's instalment of the Channel 4 show took a racy turn when Kat straddled accountant Dave for a steamy kiss in bid to conquer his 'fear of genitals touching'. Speaking to the camera, Dave confessed: 'I don't have the confidence to get to know someone. 'In an intimate moment I'm scared about what they are going to think about my body and what I am like. 'I've got to start living my life properly.' The voice over explains: 'Getting naked in the work shop was a huge step for Dave. But does it mean he's ready to take his therapy to the next level?' Kat tells Dave: 'My suggestion would be to practice touch and giving feed back.' A nervous Dave replies: 'Okay.' The pair get closer to each other on the sofa and she tells him: 'I'll have you to start with my arm...' Dave then strokes the top of her shoulder, but he nervously says: 'I'll try. Long and stuff.' Kat asks Dave: 'Can you look at me while you do it?' Dave responds: 'Yeah I can.' The voice over explains: 'Building up to sex to a surrogate partner Kat is a possibility if Dave can master the basics and form a connection.' While lying down, Dave asks her: 'Am I okay to try and sort of go on top?' As he gets on top of her, Kat tells him: 'And you can kiss too, with your mouth if you want.' After locking lips for one second, Dave tells her: 'I don't feel like this is the best position. 'I don't like the way my arm is. ' Kat asks him: 'Are you self conscious about our genitals touching each other? Is that why you're in that position?' She continues: 'Does that make you uncomfortable?' A truthful Dave says: 'Subconsciously, yeah.' So Kat asks if he wants to try again with her on top in stead, to which he was down to try. 'Can you go on top?' Dave asks, to which she tells him: 'Absolutely.' 'Yeah, I'm staying still, aren't I?' Dave replies.
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Virgin Island takes VERY racy turn as expert straddles star for steamy kiss in bid to conquer 'fear of genitals touching'
Virgin Island takes a VERY racy turn during Tuesday's episode of the Channel 4 show as one of the sex surrogates straddles a star for a steamy kiss in bid to conquer his 'fear of genitals touching'. The new programme, which hit our screens earlier this month, sees a group of 12 adults - who have never had sex - head to an island in Croatia to explore intimacy with help from sex experts. It has been hinted that some of the contributors end up going the whole way with sex surrogates Andre Lazarus and Kat Slade - who they practice the physical moments of a relationship with. In a sneak peek at today's episode (Tuesday 20 May 2025) accountant Dave, 24, will get up close and personal with Kat. Speaking to the camera, Dave confessed: 'I don't have the confidence to get to know someone. 'In an intimate moment I'm scared about what they are going to think about my body and what I am like. 'I've got to start living my life properly.' The voice over explains: 'Getting naked in the work shop was a huge step for Dave. But does it mean he's ready to take his therapy to the next level?' Kat tells Dave: 'My suggestion would be to practice touch and giving feed back.' A nervous Dave replies: 'Okay.' The pair get closer to each other on the sofa and she tells him: 'I'll have you to start with my arm...' Dave then strokes the top of her shoulder, but he nervously says: 'I'll try. Long and stuff.' Kat asks Dave: 'Can you look at me while you do it?' Dave responds: 'Yeah I can.' The voice over explains: 'Building up to sex to a surrogate partner Kat is a possibility if Dave can master the basics and form a connection.' While lying down, Dave asks her: 'Am I okay to try and sort of go on top?' As he gets on top of her, Kat tells him: 'And you can kiss too, with your mouth if you want.' After locking lips for one second, Dave tells her: 'I don't feel like this is the best position. 'I don't like the way my arm is. ' Kat asks him: 'Are you self conscious about our genitals touching each other? Is that why you're in that position?' She continues: 'Does that make you uncomfortable?' A truthful Dave says: 'Subconsciously, yeah.' So Kat asks if he wants to try again with her on top in stead, to which he was down to try. 'Can you go on top?' Dave asks, to which she tells him: 'Absolutely.' Just moments into kissing, Kat ruffles his hair and says: 'Can you practice coming alive a little?' 'Yeah, I'm staying still, aren't I?' Dave replies.
The Independent
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Virgin Island star cries minutes into show at experts' act in front of her
A Virgin Island participant was visibly emotional as she witnessed the show's experts demonstrate an intimate act in front of the group. Channel 4 's new show centres on 12 adults who have never had sex enter a luxury sex therapy retreat on a Croatian island. The participants will take part in exercises to overcome their intimacy issues and have sex for the first time. Emma, 23, appeared uncomfortable as sex and relationship coach Dr Danielle Harel with surrogate partner therapist Andre Lazarus closely embraced. She later candidly opened up about her insecurities over her physical appearance, describing them as a "never-ending cycle."
Daily Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Revealed: The 'sex surrogates' who will make love to virgins on camera: Polyamorous ex-marine and a choreographer offer their very unique services in Channel 4 show's controversial Virgin Island show
The sex surrogates will help reality show contestants to lose their virginity on camera in a controversial new Channel 4 show have been revealed as a polyamorous relationship coach and a female choreographer who is also a reiki practitioner. Virgin Island, Channel 4 's six-part series, will see 12 individuals who have never had sex before travel to Croatia with the aim of losing their virginity on camera. The first-timers, who are all aged between 22 and 30 years old, will work with a range of sex and relationship coaches, sexologists, 'bodyworkers' and even tantric masseurs to help them overcome their fears of intimacy. The TV show has also enlisted two sex surrogate partners who will work alongside therapists to help the virgins and will take more of a physical approach than the therapists who are there to talk to the candidates about their emotions. The sex surrogates are prepared to have intercourse with those in treatment to help with problems that talking therapy cannot. However, while sex surrogacy is deemed controversial, the co-founders of the Somatica Institute, which specialises in sex and relationship coach training, have defended them - slamming intercourse on other shows as 'harmful and unrealistic'. Celeste Hirschman, who has a Master's degree in human sexuality studies, said she felt it would be more helpful if a 'more realistic' perception was put out in the media. Andre Lazarus, a certified intimacy, sex and relationship practitioner with more than a decade of experience, will appear as one of the surrogates on hand to help the virgins when the show airs on Monday evening. Andre, who is based in San Francisco, had a traumatic introduction to sex when he was raped at 18 years old. 'Growing up, I experienced sex differently from my friends, community, and the societal messaging that teaches us there are set rules and restrictions to sex, intimacy, and relationships,' he candidly wrote on his website, Coming Closer with Andre Lazarus. 'At 18 years old, I had the unfortunate journey of my first sexual experience being traumatic. I was raped. 'Little did I know how impactful that trauma would be in shaping my life and the person I would become in this world for the better.' After distressing ordeal, Andre said he felt a calling to start healing work and says his passion lies with 'serving others'. The US citizen spent his younger years serving as a Marine Corps Officer. During this time, he married his 'first true love' but shortly realised that did not want be loyal to just one person for the rest of his life. Instead, Andre felt as though monogamy was 'something expected by society and not my heart.' The pair then divorced, with the sex expert feeling like a 'failure as a husband' while simultaneously feeling as though there was a 'big shift growing inside of me'. Andre then relocated to San Francisco and found a new partner who is more understanding of his non-monogamous lifestyle and the pair have been together for more than 10 years. 'With her support, I learned that I had a powerful gift to connect with people in a sexual space, helping to open up sexual desires, removing shame around sexual exploration, and healing old wounds around abuse and sexual trauma,' he said on his website. Andre described feeling freer since starting his journey in the sex surrogate and relationship coaching industry which led to him discovering that he is multisexual. Multisexuality is a term used to describe individuals who are attracted to multiple genders. 'While it took me many years to realise my sexuality, the moment I did, I was able to fully embrace my power,' he added. After his path of self-discovery, Andre says he has become someone who 'loves with sexual energy, other beings and love itself'. Andre believes that one of the biggest misconceptions that people have about adult virginity is that it is a 'fixed statement' or 'something you lose'. He said: 'Virginity, at any stage of life, isn't a pathology, it's just a part of someone's lived experience. People find intimacy at different paces and stages of life, and it is ultimately a choice someone is making to be a virgin. 'Some are waiting for the right connection, some have had traumatic experiences, and some just haven't had access to safe and affirming spaces. 'None of that makes them any less whole, attractive, or capable of love and pleasure. Virginity isn't a problem to solve, it's just one chapter in an evolving story.' An estimated one in eight 26-year-olds are still virgin which is a whopping increase from one in 20 in previous generations, according to a study by University College London. During the show, all of the 12 virgins achieve a level of intimacy with either a surrogate or a coach during the course. Celeste Hirschman and Dr Danielle Harel, co-founders of the Somatica Institute hinted that this show will differ from other shows that show sex on TV and be more candid rather than staged. When asked if she felt there was too much sex on air, Celeste Hirschman told MailOnline: 'I don't know if there's too much, but the quality of sex on television is abysmal. 'It's like three kisses up against the wall, pulling off the pants, sticking it in, and then it's over.' 'So I feel like if they portrayed sex that was more realistic, more connected, more at a pace that is like what people actually do, then it might be a boon to have that much sex on television,' Celeste explained. 'But if it's just this crap sex, then, yeah, I think it's it's not helpful at all. In fact, it's quite harmful. It creates expectations that are ridiculous.' Danielle agreed, adding: 'And if you ask me, what's better to see so much violence on TV or sex, I'll choose sex any minute, especially if it's shown in a much more realistic and connected way.' Andre said that one of the biggest sex myths is that sexual experiences always have to end in orgasm for it to be 'successful'. Andre added: 'We've been sold this fantasy where two people spontaneously combust with desire and it's all fireworks and instant chemistry. 'In real life, good sex takes communication, curiosity, and practice and removing the pressure of having to "get there". 'Why get there when the journey can be long, delicious and so much more pleasure than any orgasm could muster. Sex is a skill, a dance, like speaking a language…it's not something we are just good at or need to rush.' Kat Slade is the other 'sex surrogate' who will work alongside Andre to help the 12 virgins feel more comfortable with dusting off their sexual side. The certified surrogate partner and somatic practitioner got a Bachelor's degree from Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. The public liberal arts and sciences college allows its students to choose the subjects that are 'most compelling' to them without being 'limited by traditional majors or minors', along with putting each student on their own pathways. Kat also achieved a Master of Arts degree from New York University at its Gallatin School of Individualised Study, which offers 'flexible degree requirements' and allows students to create their own programme of study. The surrogate decided to take up somatic dance, which can be described as 'dancing from the inside out' and focuses on the internal experience of the body rather than what the movement appears like on the outside. Kat - who is also a certified reiki practitioner - says she particularly loves working with clients who have 'limited sexual and relational experiences and with survivors of sexual trauma'. She believes that she can help provide a 'safe and supportive' environment to help those explore their sexuality for the first time, along with learning about the body. 'This therapy can help people navigate their first sexual experiences with guidance, understanding and care,' she wrote on her website. Kat - who is certified on the American Board of Sexology and is trained in choreography and creative art therapy - said surrogate therapy can assist those suffering from trauma from past sexual experiences as it helps them rebuild their sense of safety and 'reclaim their bodies'. VIRGIN ISLAND: MEET THE CAST! NAME: EMMA AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: FOOD WORKER Emma said: 'I was the only virgin amongst my friendship group, I felt outnumbered. 'I believed I was the only human experiencing adult life without intimacy but I couldn't relax when there is the possibility of intimacy and I had to battle previous traumas. '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.' NAME: BEN AGED: 30 Ben said: 'A friend sent me the casting call for Virgin Island on social media. I'm not sure if he knew I was a virgin, but he knew I'd struggled in this area. 'Funnily enough, my immediate response to his message was 'not a chance'.' NAME: DAVE AGE: 24 Dave said: 'An initial joke by some friends for some cheap laughs slowly became the opportunity of a lifetime. 'I have always struggled to open up to people but this led me to feel invisible - a feeling I couldn't take anymore. 'I felt like it couldn't continue and I wanted to do something drastic to get my life back on track. NAME: JASON AGE: 25 OCCUPATION: ADMIN WORKER Jason said: 'I always felt like a failure in terms of intimacy and socialness. 'I know the island was primarily for intimacy, but it had the amazing bonus of helping me improve my social skills – and for that, I will be forever grateful.' NAME: LOUISE AGE: 22 OCCUPATION: CARE ADVISOR Louise said: 'I never really imagined applying for a show like Virgin Island but my friend sent me the application as a joke, and I thought, 'Why not?' 'I was at the point where I was willing to try anything. 'I 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.' NAME: CHARLOTTE AGE: 29 Charlotte said: 'Because 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.' NAME: HOLLY AGE: 23 OCCUPATION: DOG GROOMER She said: 'I felt like I was at a point in my life where I was ready to experience being with someone, but I had a lot of anxiety and questions about myself that I felt I had to work through before taking that step. 'I was definitely nervous, not knowing what to expect, what the others were going to be like, whether I was actually going to get anything out of it.' NAME: PIA AGE: 23 Pia said: 'I applied for Virgin Island because of my struggles with vaginismus. 'I wanted to overcome the pain and anxiety I felt when exploring penetrative sex. 'Plus, I found intimacy incredibly overwhelming.' NAME: TAYLOR AGE: 29 Taylor said: 'I spent my whole adult life wondering why I found sexual things so difficult when others didn't. 'When I was a teenager, the risks of sex seemed to far outweigh the benefits, the only benefit anyone spoke of was babies, and I certainly wasn't ready for one of those. NAME: TOM AGE: 23 Tom said: 'I always found myself to be a freak because I struggled to lose my virginity whilst others around me continued to pop their cherries. 'It severely affected my mental health, filling me with self-loathing which in turn made me a worse person.' NAME: VIRAJ AGE: 25 Viraj said: 'I had a massive struggle to express myself in front of women. 'For me it wasn't about the intimacy stage but more with the confidence side of talking to women and making small talk. 'This whole idea was encouraged by my friends for me to get out of my comfort zone and go through with this.' NAME: Zac AGE: 23 Zac said: 'There was a man reporting that Channel 4 was looking for adult virgins to take part in an experimental TV show. This was of course describing me. 'At first I was like - no way, I'm not gonna do that, but I started to think about it more and more, and I realised that I wasn't really getting anywhere by myself, time was just passing me by with no real positive change.' 'Surrogate partner therapy can provide a compassionate and individualised approach to help survivors heal and rediscover pleasure and connection,' she added. However, Kat draws the line at working with couples and says she will help coach them but will not partake as a part of the 'surrogate partner therapy process'. She first became interested in becoming a sex surrogate after she experienced somatic and relational work firsthand, which led to a 'life-changing transformation'. She told Channel 4: 'One of the biggest misconceptions is that adult virginity is rare, leading many to feel isolated and ashamed. In reality, it's more common than people think. 'Many individuals may start their sexual experiences later in life and still go on to have rich and fulfilling sex lives.' She also believes that it is a 'myth' that sex should flow perfectly without any communication and says that honest talks with your partner are 'essential' to have an enjoyable experience. Celeste describes the relationship between the client and surrogate as 'authentic'. 'It is really an authentic relationship,' she explained. 'So one thing that can happen in a relationship is that someone has performance problems, and so they would just communicate about it and say, oh, you know, something's not working here. Let's take a break. Let's try again.' There's a 'triadic relationship' between the client, surrogate and a separate therapist to help tackle issues, including if the client develops feelings. Celeste explained: 'They have the therapist built into the relationship, because if feelings become developed, the therapist is available to talk the client through whatever feelings that they have around it.' She added: 'The therapist is there to keep that the container and the boundaries.' Danielle expressed that on the show, the boundaries in the relationship were clear between the contributors and surrogates.
