Latest news with #DoubleActProductions
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Londoners invited to apply for new series of Channel 4's Virgin Island
A popular Channel 4 show about virgins attending a retreat to help them overcome their intimacy fears is looking for Londoners to take part in a new series. Virgin Island follows 12 adult virgins as they travel to a luxury Mediterranean retreat to embark on a unique course of intimacy. The course is designed to help the virgins overcome the fears holding them back from sex and intimacy. After the success of the first series with almost nine million views, Channel 4 recently confirmed it has been recommissioned for a second series. Virgin Island, which is made by Double Act Productions, are now on the hunt for people aged 21+, including those in London, to take part in the second series. Applicants will be required to have watched (and be able to discuss) at least two episodes from series one before being invited for an initial zoom interview. Then applicants will be required to have watched all six episodes before being able to progress past the first zoom interview. Shortlisted people will be required to attend a set of one-to-one meetings in London on one date around August 2025. These meetings are essential to be considered for the series. 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. The first series has become one of this year's most talked about shows, topping Channel 4's new unscripted series launches for share of 16-34s since modern records began. This is ahead of recent hits such as The Jury: Murder Trial and Late Night Lycett, as well as older shows like Supernanny and the original series of Married at First Sight. In its first 28 days, episode one of Virgin Island became Channel 4's most-watched show for 16-34s in 2025 so far, surpassing established formats such as Taskmaster, Married at First Sight Australia, and Gogglebox. Ian Katz, chief content officer at Channel 4, said: "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". With an average of 1.4 million viewers per episode, Virgin Island is Channel 4's biggest streaming hit of the year, across both scripted and unscripted programming. For viewing figures from 16–34-year-olds this year, Virgin Island outperformed titles such as Race Across the World, Doctor Who and Gladiators. The full series has, so far, accumulated almost nine million views on streaming – with final figures for later episodes still to be consolidated. Applications close at 11:59pm on Sunday, August 10, 2025. For the full information, visit The second series is due to air in 2026.
Metro
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Channel 4 series slapped with 'sex ban' - despite being all about sex
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. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video 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. More Trending 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. View More » 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 entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Horror fans 'seriously creeped out' as unhinged movie behind iconic meme gets Channel 4 premiere MORE: Eerie sci-fi series dubbed 'freshest British drama in years' launched 10 years ago MORE: Skins star unrecognisable as he reunites with cast 12 years after show ended
Metro
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Channel 4 urges people to apply for 'record-breaking' Virgin Island season 2
Virgin Island fans are getting their wish, and you could get involved when the series returns for another round. The first season of the controversial Channel 4 reality show – which saw 12 adult virgins guided by seven experts to help explore their intimacy issues – reached its climax last month, with fans conflicted but still eager for more. While some viewers found the whole thing a little cringe, the broadcaster has hailed record numbers and confirmed plans for season 2. The show rose 'to the top of Channel 4's list of new unscripted launches for share of 16-34s since modern records began', above the likes of Late Night Lycett, Supernanny, The Jury: Murder Trial and the original series of Married At First Sight. As well as bringing in almost nine million viewers on streaming for the whole series thus far, it's currently C4's most watched show in the demographic for 2025, above Gogglebox, Taskmaster and more. So, it's not surprising that Channel 4 is and Double Act Productions are now calling on virgins to apply for a second season. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video '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.' And Ian Katz, Chief Content Officer at C4, 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.' It should be noted, appearing on such an intimate show won't be for everyone – but the broadcaster has a 'lengthy selection progress with several stages', where applicants can withdraw at any time. You can sign up and start application process here, but there are some key details to keep in mind. First thing's first – Channel 4 wants you to make sure potential Islanders have watched season 1. Before you can land a first Zoom interview, you 'will be required to have watched (and be able to discuss) at least 2 episodes', and all six to progress further. Naturally, you have to be a virgin to apply, as well as aged 21 or over at the time of applying, as well as a UK resident with 'a valid passport for travel in autumn 2025. Meanwhile, Double Act Productions noted its commitment to an 'inclusive cast', and they welcome 'applications from deaf, disabled and neurodivergent people'. As you'd expect, no one on the Sex Offender Register is allowed to apply, while anyone filling out the application for the series must be 'honest and true'. If you make it on the shortlist, there will be 'a set of one-to-one meetings' in London in August 2025, which are described as 'essential to be considered'. More Trending The application form continues: '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.' View More » Virgin Island is available to stream on Channel 4. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Ditch your weekend plans to watch 'addictive' Italian crime thriller on Channel 4 MORE: Gripping sci-fi series with 'preposterous twist' now streaming on Channel 4 MORE: All six episodes of 'stressful' Australian thriller finally free to binge in the UK
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Channel 4 on the hunt for adult virgins in Bolton
Channel 4 is on the hunt to find virgins in Bolton aged over 21. The broadcaster is looking for people to join the line-up for the second series of a controversial new show, Virgin Island. The programme follows 12 adult virgins as they travel to a luxury Mediterranean retreat to embark on a unique course in intimacy, to see if it can help them overcome the fears that are holding them back. According to Cambridge University research, one in eight 26-year-olds are still virgins, compared to one in twenty in previous generations. All to know on Channel 4's new Death In Paradise-style thriller Get Millie Black 'I'm sick of it' - Gogglebox's Stephen Webb reveals why he quit Channel 4 show 17th century pub that featured on Channel 4 show is back open after closure A channel 4 spokesperson added: "Social media, pornography and loneliness. There are many possible causes, but the result is unprecedented levels of body image anxiety and a fear of sex and intimacy." A promo for C4 reads: "Are you a virgin and do you need help and guidance with your fears and insecurities around intimacy and sex?" Virgin Island is produced by Double Act Productions for Channel 4 and Channel 4 streaming. It premiered on May 12 last year with a next season already in the works. The C4 spokesperson explained: "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?" In the last season, only one of the 12 contestants had sex in the end. The show has 'surrogate partners' assigned to contestants in an effort to make contestants feel more comfortable with intimacy. While the show was watched by many, others branded it as 'exploitative' and 'uncomfortable to watch".
Channel 4
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Channel 4
First Look at Channel 4's Virgin Island
Watch the trailer for Channel 4's brand new show Virgin Island which premieres on Channel 4 in May. Play video In a groundbreaking new series, Virgin Island follows 12 adult virgins, as they travel to a luxury Mediterranean retreat to embark on a unique course in intimacy, to see if it can help them overcome the fears that are holding them back. The modern world feels more sexualised than ever. However, detailed research by University College London reveals that the truth, especially for young people, is more surprising. According to the research, one in eight 26-year-olds are still virgins, compared to one in twenty in previous generations [1]. Social media, pornography and loneliness... there are many possible causes, but the result is unprecedented levels of body image anxiety and a fear of sex and intimacy. 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? Virgin Island is produced by Double Act Productions for Channel 4 and Channel 4 streaming. Virgin Island premieres on Channel 4 in May. Play video
