Latest news with #NakedAttraction
Daily Mirror
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Other X-rated shows force Love Island to push boundaries - but at what cost?
Returning to unedited Love Island sex on camera likely to produce more problems for show makers than solutions Love Island's last throw of the dice will be as sad as it is fascinating to watch. We We now know that the decision-makers of ITV 's reality show will return to broadcasting scenes of contestants having sex, should they arise. X-rated capers were edited out a few years back after the likes of Emma-Jane Woodham, Terry Walsh, Tommy Fury, Molly Mae and many others threw caution and their clothes to the wind. Guests to the villa mucked about like rabbits as their continuous on-screen copulation quickly became a feature of the first few series. But emotional and mental health concerns in the heightened, ruthless era of social media - not to mention issues related to broadcasting sexually risqué material - saw the Love Island guidelines tightened up in 2018. Less became more as at least something was left to the imagination from that period. Now we're back. From the noises ahead of its return on Monday night, it would appear sex on camera is being revisited as a solution to the show's plunging ratings. Especially with mainstream media outlets currently struggling to resist their temptation to try and normalise the likes of adult performer Bonnie Blue. On current dating shows such as Channel 4 's Naked Attraction, participants already choose partners on the basis of what their private parts look like. Forget their charm, charisma or personalities, contestants stand starkers in pods that first show their lower halves - which are examined by the picker and TV viewers - then the top. Imagine going into work the day after being rejected (or even selected!) off that. On the E4 show, Open House, couples arrive at a luxury retreat to test whether opening up their relationships to have sex with other couples or individuals will strengthen their own. And yes, the cameras do switch to infra red when both parties decide they'd like two (or three) to become one. That's before you get to the streaming shows on Netflix and YouTube not bound by Ofcom guidelines. Love Island's lack of coitus by comparison has clearly led producers to row back on their performative consideration for contestants' love-term futures. Never mind the threat of losing commercial deals as brands steer clear of Islanders swerving out go their lane to engage in conduct incompatible with their values. Visits to 'the restaurant', 'the nail shop' and the other euphemisms for sex are welcome again. You'd suspect the selection process for this new series will have been conducted with willing participants in mind. Producers will doubtless be delighted with another Terry and Emma-Jane who, in 2016, had sex on top of the covers in the shared bedroom. Or Kem Cetinay and Amber Davies, who had to deny having unprotected sex on the way to winning the 2017 series. You'd also be forgiven for thinking show bosses would have no compunction about broadcasting just that little bit too much, to escape with a ticking off from toothless Ofcom but grab the headlines and returning viewers that would make it worth it. Because like that other fading concept, Big Brother, whose producers kick contestants off the show for doing exactly the kind of thing they throw big money at them for, Love Island chiefs want controversy. They want notoriety. They want to go viral. They want people to care again. The clue, though, is in the name. Surely the participants want to find love, not sex. Surely they are there to establish emotional connections and foster lasting relationships. Not to be on a televised lads or girls' holiday. Shows like the Netflix hit Love Is Blind smash it in several countries because they focus on bonding, not boning. And once the boundaries on Love Island are pushed, what then? Would every contestant have to be willing to have sex on camera? And what does it say about our society that so many viewers simply shrug their shoulders over it? Because it might titillate and fascinate once again - but it will throw up more questions than answers. Ends
Cosmopolitan
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
5 sex and relationship shows like Virgin Island, from Naked Attraction to Sex Box
We haven't stopped talking about Virgin Island since it started on Monday 12th April. The show sees 12 adult virgins embark on an experience of a lifetime, learning all there is to know about sex from leading sex therapists and sex surrogates. Over the course of the social experiment, the participants take part in workshops in order confront their sexual fears and insecurities. Following the first episode, viewers ran to X (formerly Twitter) to share their thoughts, with some labelling it "excruciating" and "creepy". The show has been praised, however, for encouraging conversations about sex and intimacy. But Virgin Island isn't the only dating show pushing the limits of love, sex, and modern relationships. From full-frontal nudity to emotionally charged temptations, there's been a wave of reality TV shows over the years that are challenging traditional norms and redefining what it means to find connection on screen. Here's some of the boldest, most boundary-breaking dating shows out there. What channel was it on? Channel 4 Channel 4 is known for their thought-provoking programming, and Naked Attraction is the first that comes to mind when I think of some of the most bold dating shows out there. The show sees people choosing a date based solely on physical appearance, with full-frontal nudity being revealed gradually. The last episodes aired on Channel 4 in March, but you can view previous seasons on Channel 4's video on demand service. What channel is it on? VH1/ Paramount+ via Sky (UK) This one literally does what it says on the tin: participants go on dates fully nude on a tropical island. All I keep thinking about is getting sand in all the wrong places, but the show has worked for some couples. Lauren Beschi and Billy Field met on the show and they're still very much loved up, regularly sharing pictures on their social media. What channel was it on? Channel 4 Another Channel 4 show, The Sex Education Show was presented by Anna Richardson and Dr. Radha Modgil. It was designed to speak openly and honestly to teenagers about sex - answering their real questions about everything from puberty and sexual intercourse to relationships, body image, and how to navigate it all without shame, with real-life people stripping down for particular segments of the show. The series originally aired in 2008, and was rebooted in 2023 with Richardson at the helm. Unfortunately, you can't watch previous seasons on Channel 4's VoD service, but there's lots of clips floating around YouTube if you feel like an educational session. What streaming site is it on? Apple TV+ Like the title suggests, the dating show sees strangers meeting and getting undressed. They then get to jump in bed together just moments after meeting - cosy! They're asked to remove their clothes to cut out all the distractions and from there, they're free to get to know one another. There are currently two seasons of the UK version available to stream on Apple TV+ if you fancy giving it a watch. What channel was it on? Channel 4 Sex Box was released in 2013 as part of Channel 4's "Campaign for Real Sex", which the channel described as "a series of programmes that aim to reclaim sex from porn. The idea was that couples would be more comfortable talking about sex after doing the deed, so they were given the opportunity to do just that. Couples would be escorted to a sound proof, private box on stage where they'd have sex. They would then speak to the experts. A second season aired in 2016, but the show was cancelled after this. The episodes aren't available to stream on Channel 4's VoD service, but again, there are lots of clips on YouTube. Virgin Island airs on Channel 4 on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Virgin Island cast strip nude during bold new scenes as stunned viewers gasp 'is this Naked Attraction?!'
Virgin Island has already featured some very racy scenes and the cast took it to the next level for another challenge during Tuesday night's episode. The Channel 4 show follows a group of 12 adults - who have never had sex - as they head to an island in Croatia to explore intimacy with help from sex experts. It has been hinted that some of the cast will end up going all the way with their therapists and 'sex surrogates ' and things once again ramped up in the latest episode. The cast were tasked with stripping off naked in front of mirrors - and each other - in a bid to explore self-love and 'claim their bodies' after struggling with self-esteem. Each contestant took it in turns and while some found the exercise empowering, others struggled and Louise, 22, was left in floods of tears. Upon watching the bold scenes, viewers were quick to take to social media to compare it to another racy Channel 4 show - Naked Attraction. Comments included: 'This is starting to look like Naked Attraction'; 'Is it Virgin Island or Naked Attraction?'; 'Nah this Virgin Island is crazy'; 'Just put on that Virgin Island. Holy s**t.' The challenge saw the cast shed their robes in front of a mirror before saying positive remarks about their bodies in a bid to tackle self-esteem issues. They were able to take off as much or as little clothing as they wanted, with some of the cast choosing to strip completely naked for the scenes. Jason, 25, decided to go nude as he was cheered on as he repeated the mantra 'this is my body' while looking in the mirror. Despite her initial concerns and struggles with body confidence, Charlotte, 29, proudly stood in front of the mirror in her lingerie as she overcame her obstacles. While some opted to keep their clothes on, Louise was left completely overwhelmed and left the room in tears as it became too much for her. Speaking one-on-one to an expert outside, she confessed: 'I hate the way I look. I feel anxious.' Reassuring her, the expert said: 'You can get up there in front of everybody else and see what comes next, you are not going to let a fear stop you from living your life.' Louise then found the courage to go back into the room and complete the task, with her co-stars cheering her on as she partially removed her robe. Elsewhere in the episode, the cast were also given an education on anatomy with the therapists and 'sex surrogates' stripping naked for the session. It has been hinted that some of the cast will lose their virginity to sex surrogates Andre Lazarus and Kat Slade - who they practice physical moments of a relationship with. Accountant Dave, 24, got up close and personal with Kat during Tuesday's episode as he practiced touch with her. Dave was shown nervously stroking Kat's shoulder and arm as he tried to 'master the basics and form a connection'. Things heated up as he got on top of Kat before they initiated a kiss, with Dave then admitting he felt uncomfortable with the position. Kat asked him: 'Are you self conscious about our genitals touching each other? 'Is that why you're in that position? Does that make you uncomfortable?' To which a truthful Dave replied: 'Subconsciously, yeah.' They then tried again with Kat lying on top of him as things escalated between the pair as they practiced intimacy. 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 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 OCCUPATION: CARE WORKER 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 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.'
Daily Mail
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Virgin Island cast strip naked during bold new scenes as viewers compare it to another racy reality TV show
Virgin Island has already featured some very racy scenes and the cast took it to the next level for another challenge during Tuesday night's episode. The Channel 4 show follows a group of 12 adults - who have never had sex - as they head to an island in Croatia to explore intimacy with help from sex experts. It has been hinted that some of the cast will end up going all the way with their therapists and 'sex surrogates ' and things once again ramped up in the latest episode. The cast were tasked with stripping off naked in front of mirrors - and each other - in a bid to explore self-love and 'claim their bodies' after struggling with self-esteem. Each contestant took it in turns and while some found the exercise empowering, others struggled and Louise, 22, was left in floods of tears. Upon watching the bold scenes, viewers were quick to take to social media to compare it to another racy Channel 4 show - Naked Attraction. Comments included: 'This is starting to look like Naked Attraction'; 'Is it Virgin Island or Naked Attraction?'; 'Nah this Virgin Island is crazy'; 'Just put on that Virgin Island. Holy s**t.' The challenge saw the cast shed their robes in front of a mirror before saying positive remarks about their bodies in a bid to tackle self-esteem issues. They were able to take off as much or as little clothing as they wanted, with some of the cast choosing to strip completely naked for the scenes. Jason, 25, decided to go nude as he was cheered on as he repeated the mantra 'this is my body' while looking in the mirror. Despite her initial concerns and struggles with body confidence, Charlotte, 29, proudly stood in front of the mirror in her lingerie as she overcame her obstacles. While some opted to keep their clothes on, Louise was left completely overwhelmed and left the room in tears as it became too much for her. Speaking one-on-one to an expert outside, she confessed: 'I hate the way I look. I feel anxious.' Reassuring her, the expert said: 'You can get up there in front of everybody else and see what comes next, you are not going to let a fear stop you from living your life.' Louise then found the courage to go back into the room and complete the task, with her co-stars cheering her on as she partially removed her robe. Elsewhere in the episode, the cast were also given an education on anatomy with the therapists and 'sex surrogates' stripping naked for the session. It has been hinted that some of the cast will lose their virginity to sex surrogates Andre Lazarus and Kat Slade - who they practice physical moments of a relationship with. Accountant Dave, 24, got up close and personal with Kat during Tuesday's episode as he practiced touch with her. Dave was shown nervously stroking Kat's shoulder and arm as he tried to 'master the basics and form a connection'. Things heated up as he got on top of Kat before they initiated a kiss, with Dave then admitting he felt uncomfortable with the position. Kat asked him: 'Are you self conscious about our genitals touching each other? 'Is that why you're in that position? Does that make you uncomfortable?' To which a truthful Dave replied: 'Subconsciously, yeah.' They then tried again with Kat lying on top of him as things escalated between the pair as they practiced intimacy. 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 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 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.'
Metro
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Virgin Island viewers floored after show 'turns into Naked Attraction'
Virgin Island viewers have claimed that the show has turned into Naked Attraction after the series entered its 'toughest phase' yet. After a preview of tonight's episode was released earlier today, fans were 'mentally preparing themselves' for the show to take to the 'next level'. The controversial Channel 4 series charts the journey of 12 adult virgins who travel to a Croatian island to embark upon a journey of intimacy. Aged between 22 and 30, the contestants have so far tapped 'into their primal animalistic self' by nuzzling relationship coaches. But tonight's episode saw the participants make a decision whether or not to be fully naked or not in the mirror. As the contestants made a decision how far they wanted to 'de-robe', viewers deemed it as being eerily similar to another series. Writing on X, @Mayce_Windu said: 'This is starting to look like Naked Attraction.' @Nicholstix added: 'I'm so uncomfortable with literally everything in this show… but at the same time, I can't stop bloody watching it!!' @darrenbizzle2 also said: 'Me toes are curling up already.' Earlier this week, a Virgin Island star defended the show after viewers slammed it as being 'exploitative'. Ben Harris – who features on the show – said: 'I don't regret taking part at all'. Writing on his own blog, Ben opened up about his previous experiences being bullied in school and how it instilled within him this belief that 'I was physically repulsive to women.' He also explained how he was still a virgin despite going on more than 40 different dates with women and having two girlfriends. After deciding to go on the show, Ben praised how the 'selection process was incredibly thorough' and said Channel 4 handled this matter 'sensitively'. More Trending He went on to say: 'Despite, or perhaps because of, the rise of dating apps and social media, adult virgins in their 20s and early 30s are becoming increasingly common. 'Prime age adults are both more connected and yet paradoxically more isolated from one another than they've ever been. 'If this show helps to clear even a fraction of the stigma associated with being an adult virgin, it'll have all been worth it. Even if it doesn't, I know I got a lot out of it, and I don't regret taking part at all.' View More » Virgin Island is available to watch 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: You can binge all eight episodes of TV thriller that left fans 'wrecked' in UK tonight MORE: Forget Virgin Island – 2025's most shocking TV show aired last night MORE: British popstar embarks on eye-opening trip to confront his sex scammer 'face-to-face'
