Latest news with #VirginIsland
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
Channel 4's Virgin Island is looking for local people to take part
Applications are open now Channel 4's streaming hit Virgin Island is returning for a second series and looking for local people aged 21+ who are still virgins to take part. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The groundbreaking, heartwarming and authentic series follows a group of people who lack any experience with intimacy as they travel to a luxury island retreat to embark on a unique hands-on course. The aim is to help them overcome the fears that are holding them back. Series one participant, Dave, said of his experience: 'I had an amazing time on the Island, and I'm truly thankful for the time I spent there. 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. I would wholly encourage anyone with enough courage and resilience to apply, it's completely changed my life.' More information, terms and conditions and the application form can be found at
The Irish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Missing Virgin Island? 3 more reality shows for a loved-up summer
IT WAS the hit Channel 4 show that saw 12 adult virgins discovering themselves – and intimacy – on an island retreat in Croatia. From their emotional vulnerability to the joy of being carefree in the moment, it's safe to say the participants of Virgin Island stole the hearts of the nation. Advertisement 4 First Dates host Fred Sirieix (right) with one of the show's stars Merlin Griffiths Now the series has come to an end, are you looking to fill the void it's left behind? Channel 4 has a plethora of shows to choose from, and we've lined up three reality series that are perfect if you loved Virgin Island. Remember the first time Want to continue the theme of firsts? Why not tap into one of Channel 4's most successful franchises: First Dates. Making matches for over a decade, TV's most wholesome dating show is back with its 24th season. Advertisement If you've not seen the show before (where have you been?), just like Virgin Island, First Dates provides heartwarming, authentic encounters between genuine people. With everyone looking for one thing – love – the show provides the most romantic interactions, as well as some hilarious moments that could only happen on a first date. Hosted by TV favourite Fred Sirieix and his stellar team, will this season bring us another First Dates wedding? Or will there be more awkward meetings of exes or first date fails? Advertisement Most read in Reality One thing's certain: this series of firsts will satisfy your reality loving needs! 4 Relationship gurus Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Brunson (middle) help stars find true love in Celebs Go Dating Guided by experts Do you love the knowledge and wisdom an expert brings to a reality show? Virgin Island had its sexologists, whereas another Channel 4 show brings a different type of boffin – the relationship experts. Advertisement Paul Carrick Brunson and Anna Williamson have entered the chat. They are the relationship experts who guide six hopeless celebrities in their quests to find true love in Celebs Go Dating. From date debriefs to raw, honest chats, the experts provide the no-nonsense advice we wish we could tell celebrities when we read about their relationships online! Back for series 14, the show is set to be a juicy one this year. Advertisement The line-up includes pop star and reality TV legend Kerry Katona, as well as other familiar faces including Olivia Hawkins, Louis Russell, Jon Lee, Mark Labbett and Christine McGuinness. There's nothing more satisfying than learning that celebs are just like us and have the same first date jitters that we do. Expect some hilarious moments, awkward convos and straight-talking advice as we watch the celeb agency clients navigate the world of dating someone 'normal'! Let's just hope no one gets with a fellow celebrity this year. Advertisement 4 A rowdy crew, mad guest requests, lovely boats – it's all in Below Deck Mediterranean Reality in paradise Virgin Island takes place on an idyllic retreat set in the stunning waters of Croatia. If you're craving more sea, sun and summer reality TV vibes, then Below Deck Mediterranean should be next on your watchlist! The latest season is available on Channel 4, letting you dive into the world of yachting and the super-rich. Advertisement With Captain Sandy at the helm, along with her rowdy crew, can the team master the guests' wild demands while also navigating their own personal lives? Expect mishaps, close calls, lavish themed nights and some rather bonkers guest requests – maybe paradise isn't so stress-free after all! Read more on the Irish Sun Already watched the drama in the Med? Find more onboard action in the Caribbean and Australia by streaming Below Deck or Below Deck Down Under. Hot dates to watch out for NEVER miss an episode this summer. Here's when to watch with Channel 4… First Dates Catch up with Fred and the gang, and all the hilarious first dates in series 1 to 23 – available now. Series 24 episodes are dropping weekly. Celebs Go Dating Series 1 to 13 are available, with season 14 episodes coming each week from August 4. Below Deck Season 11 of Below Deck has just arrived, with episodes dropping weekly. You can also watch the latest season of Below Deck Mediterranean. Keep an eye out for the new series of Below Deck Sailing Yacht launching on August 6. 4 Advertisement Stream the f or all the latest reali-tea !
Scottish Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Missing Virgin Island? 3 more reality shows for a loved-up summer
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT WAS the hit Channel 4 show that saw 12 adult virgins discovering themselves – and intimacy – on an island retreat in Croatia. From their emotional vulnerability to the joy of being carefree in the moment, it's safe to say the participants of Virgin Island stole the hearts of the nation. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 First Dates host Fred Sirieix (right) with one of the show's stars Merlin Griffiths Now the series has come to an end, are you looking to fill the void it's left behind? Channel 4 has a plethora of shows to choose from, and we've lined up three reality series that are perfect if you loved Virgin Island. Remember the first time Want to continue the theme of firsts? Why not tap into one of Channel 4's most successful franchises: First Dates. Making matches for over a decade, TV's most wholesome dating show is back with its 24th season. If you've not seen the show before (where have you been?), just like Virgin Island, First Dates provides heartwarming, authentic encounters between genuine people. With everyone looking for one thing – love – the show provides the most romantic interactions, as well as some hilarious moments that could only happen on a first date. Hosted by TV favourite Fred Sirieix and his stellar team, will this season bring us another First Dates wedding? Or will there be more awkward meetings of exes or first date fails? One thing's certain: this series of firsts will satisfy your reality loving needs! 4 Relationship gurus Anna Williamson and Paul Carrick Brunson (middle) help stars find true love in Celebs Go Dating Guided by experts Do you love the knowledge and wisdom an expert brings to a reality show? Virgin Island had its sexologists, whereas another Channel 4 show brings a different type of boffin – the relationship experts. Paul Carrick Brunson and Anna Williamson have entered the chat. They are the relationship experts who guide six hopeless celebrities in their quests to find true love in Celebs Go Dating. From date debriefs to raw, honest chats, the experts provide the no-nonsense advice we wish we could tell celebrities when we read about their relationships online! Back for series 14, the show is set to be a juicy one this year. The line-up includes pop star and reality TV legend Kerry Katona, as well as other familiar faces including Olivia Hawkins, Louis Russell, Jon Lee, Mark Labbett and Christine McGuinness. There's nothing more satisfying than learning that celebs are just like us and have the same first date jitters that we do. Expect some hilarious moments, awkward convos and straight-talking advice as we watch the celeb agency clients navigate the world of dating someone 'normal'! Let's just hope no one gets with a fellow celebrity this year. 4 A rowdy crew, mad guest requests, lovely boats – it's all in Below Deck Mediterranean Reality in paradise Virgin Island takes place on an idyllic retreat set in the stunning waters of Croatia. If you're craving more sea, sun and summer reality TV vibes, then Below Deck Mediterranean should be next on your watchlist! The latest season is available on Channel 4, letting you dive into the world of yachting and the super-rich. With Captain Sandy at the helm, along with her rowdy crew, can the team master the guests' wild demands while also navigating their own personal lives? Expect mishaps, close calls, lavish themed nights and some rather bonkers guest requests – maybe paradise isn't so stress-free after all! Already watched the drama in the Med? Find more onboard action in the Caribbean and Australia by streaming Below Deck or Below Deck Down Under. Hot dates to watch out for NEVER miss an episode this summer. Here's when to watch with Channel 4… First Dates Catch up with Fred and the gang, and all the hilarious first dates in series 1 to 23 – available now. Series 24 episodes are dropping weekly. Celebs Go Dating Series 1 to 13 are available, with season 14 episodes coming each week from August 4. Below Deck Season 11 of Below Deck has just arrived, with episodes dropping weekly. You can also watch the latest season of Below Deck Mediterranean. Keep an eye out for the new series of Below Deck Sailing Yacht launching on August 6. 4 Stream the new season of Below Deck now for all the latest reali-tea!
The Sun
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Missing Virgin Island? 3 more reality shows for a loved-up summer
IT WAS the hit Channel 4 show that saw 12 adult virgins discovering themselves – and intimacy – on an island retreat in Croatia. From their emotional vulnerability to the joy of being carefree in the moment, it's safe to say the participants of Virgin Island stole the hearts of the nation. 4 Now the series has come to an end, are you looking to fill the void it's left behind? Channel 4 has a plethora of shows to choose from, and we've lined up three reality series that are perfect if you loved Virgin Island. Remember the first time Want to continue the theme of firsts? Why not tap into one of Channel 4's most successful franchises: First Dates. Making matches for over a decade, TV's most wholesome dating show is back with its 24th season. If you've not seen the show before (where have you been?), just like Virgin Island, First Dates provides heartwarming, authentic encounters between genuine people. With everyone looking for one thing – love – the show provides the most romantic interactions, as well as some hilarious moments that could only happen on a first date. Hosted by TV favourite Fred Sirieix and his stellar team, will this season bring us another First Dates wedding? Or will there be more awkward meetings of exes or first date fails? One thing's certain: this series of firsts will satisfy your reality loving needs! 4 Guided by experts Do you love the knowledge and wisdom an expert brings to a reality show? Virgin Island had its sexologists, whereas another Channel 4 show brings a different type of boffin – the relationship experts. Paul Carrick Brunson and Anna Williamson have entered the chat. They are the relationship experts who guide six hopeless celebrities in their quests to find true love in Celebs Go Dating. From date debriefs to raw, honest chats, the experts provide the no-nonsense advice we wish we could tell celebrities when we read about their relationships online! Back for series 14, the show is set to be a juicy one this year. The line-up includes pop star and reality TV legend Kerry Katona, as well as other familiar faces including Olivia Hawkins, Louis Russell, Jon Lee, Mark Labbett and Christine McGuinness. There's nothing more satisfying than learning that celebs are just like us and have the same first date jitters that we do. Expect some hilarious moments, awkward convos and straight-talking advice as we watch the celeb agency clients navigate the world of dating someone 'normal'! Let's just hope no one gets with a fellow celebrity this year. 4 Reality in paradise Virgin Island takes place on an idyllic retreat set in the stunning waters of Croatia. If you're craving more sea, sun and summer reality TV vibes, then Below Deck Mediterranean should be next on your watchlist! The latest season is available on Channel 4, letting you dive into the world of yachting and the super-rich. With Captain Sandy at the helm, along with her rowdy crew, can the team master the guests' wild demands while also navigating their own personal lives? Expect mishaps, close calls, lavish themed nights and some rather bonkers guest requests – maybe paradise isn't so stress-free after all! Already watched the drama in the Med? Find more onboard action in the Caribbean and Australia by streaming Below Deck or Below Deck Down Under. Hot dates to watch out for NEVER miss an episode this summer. Here's when to watch with Channel 4… First Dates Catch up with Fred and the gang, and all the hilarious first dates in series 1 to 23 – available now. Series 24 episodes are dropping weekly. Celebs Go Dating Series 1 to 13 are available, with season 14 episodes coming each week from August 4. Below Deck Season 11 of Below Deck has just arrived, with episodes dropping weekly. You can also watch the latest season of Below Deck Mediterranean. Keep an eye out for the new series of Below Deck Sailing Yacht launching on August 6.
Daily Mirror
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
‘I'm a UK sex surrogate therapist - I've had grown men cry when they're with me'
Opening up about her controversial work, sex surrogate therapist Lily explains the impact of the TV show Virgin Island and what her role truly involves when a client shows interest When Channel 4's provocative new series Virgin Island hit screens last month, it promised to break taboos and explore the very edges of intimacy. What it didn't expect was to ignite a real-world ripple effect – particularly for one woman in Bristol, who is now seeing her inbox flooded with enquiries from men who, until recently, didn't even know her profession existed. Lily, 41, says she 'earns thousands' as one of the UK's few surrogate sex therapists – and since Virgin Island aired on TV, her work has seen a dramatic spike in interest. 'I received quite a lot of requests after the show, because a lot of people didn't realise it was a thing,' she recalls. 'I now have so many requests. In the USA it's more common, but here it's still a bit of a mystery.' Unlike traditional sex therapy – which focuses on conversation, behavioural techniques and cognitive approaches – surrogate sex therapy involves direct physical intimacy as part of therapeutic treatment. The aim is to help individuals overcome issues like erectile dysfunction, anxiety, lack of sexual confidence and trauma around touch by practising intimacy in real life, with the help of a trained surrogate partner. As controversial as it is misunderstood, surrogate therapy is legal in the UK but remains unregulated – and often hidden from the public eye. That is, until Virgin Island came along. Healing tool Virgin Island featured 12 men and women in their twenties and thirties confronting sexual inexperience, often rooted in deep emotional barriers. The show offered a rare window into the world of sex surrogacy, with therapists guiding participants through physical intimacy as a healing tool. Viewers were gripped, the concept went viral, and suddenly therapists like Lily were inundated. 'I only watched one episode,' Lily says. 'But it's a good concept for a show to give popularity to surrogate therapists at home.' For Lily, the journey into surrogate therapy was personal. She had a background in counselling and sex therapy, having studied both at university, and first started working with clients online. But it was a real-life encounter with a friend that changed everything. 'He was in his 30s, not a virgin, but he was finding it hard to have sex,' she recalls. 'We were friends at first, then I suggested he try to have sex with me so he knows how it works, to show him the experience hands-on. That's how it started.' After seeing how much the session helped him, she realised there was a significant gap in the UK and that she had the tools to fill it. Since 2020, she's worked with around 40 to 50 clients, almost all men. Most of Lily's clients are middle-aged men, though she sees men from their mid-20s to 60s. The common thread isn't virginity – but shame, anxiety or deep insecurity around sex. 'Many men confessed traditional counselling didn't help them and I was their last hope,' she says. 'The most common issues are erectile dysfunction, lack of confidence and never feeling good enough.' Paid consultation Some clients book just one session. Others return for months. A typical session lasts at least two hours and costs around £300 to £400. Most take place at a private therapy home or an apartment, after a paid consultation to ensure mutual understanding and safety. 'I understand the risk. Some people struggle with anxiety or mental health issues, but so far I've not felt unsafe,' Lily says. She emphasises that it's not always about sex. 'I also offer massages, so it's possible to combine things. Sometimes, the client just needs to be touched in a respectful way.' Recently, Lily has been shifting focus to what she calls 'sex profiling." 'It's a full analysis of a person's sexual needs. It can help people discover what they want. I want to concentrate on that. I haven't stopped surrogate therapy completely – if people need it, I will still do it.' Lily now has a registered trademark to set her apart from surrogate therapists, and offers personal guidance and different methods to improve sexual wellbeing. But the emotional weight of the work, paired with the demand, has prompted her to consider focusing on digital solutions. Surrogate therapy often raises eyebrows but for many, like Lily, it's a legitimate and necessary form of care. 'I felt like I could help people and improve their sexual health,' she says. 'I've had men cry because they didn't think they'd ever feel close to someone in that way.' To critics, Lily responds, 'They don't see the transformation, the release, the confidence. This isn't sex work, it's healing.'
