Virgin Island fans 'uncomfortable' as therapy session cut short after star's confession

Channel 4 viewers found themselves squirming during the latest instalment of the divisive reality series, Virgin Island. The unconventional programme follows 12 adult virgins who partake in an explicit course facilitated by professional sex therapists. The show’s mission is to help participants become comfortable with intimacy, and ideally engage in sexual intercourse by the series finale.

In the fifth episode, aired on May 26th, delivery driver Zac shared his anxiety about the progression with his appointed sex surrogate, Kat Slade. In a particularly intimate session while they were completely naked, he divulged his eagerness to escalate their physical relationship. "I want to move forward... I want to touch you and be touched by you," he admitted.

The therapist expressed her discomfort at this comment, pointing out that Zac seems preoccupied by the physical side of intimacy, reports Devon Live.

Zac responded in surprise: "I came in here confident and excited, and I don't know if you're as used to that in this line of work and I don't know if you find that intimidating."

After recognising a possible mismatch in compatibility, Kat decided to end the session early, stating: "OK, I think we'll get dressed, that's enough for today."

The scene was a tough watch for viewers, with some criticising Zac's remarks as 'inappropriate.' Many agreed with Kat's implication that Zac appeared disinterested in the emotional dimensions of sex, which is a central issue the series aims to address.

Others have been vocal about their reactions to the brutal segment, with one person sharing on X: "I 'enjoy' Virgin Island as a show, but Jesus Christ every time Zac is on screen I am so uncomfortable [...] Some of the stuff he says is just objectifying women."

Another viewer added their voice to the discussion, saying plainly: "Zac man I am so uncomfortable."

One spectator felt the need to point out: "Zac needs a lesson on boundaries and the fact that sex is not guaranteed."

In spite of the challenges faced together, Kat believes Zac has gained the necessary understanding to engage with intimacy appropriately once outside the show's environment.

Reflecting on his journey throughout the sex education course, she said: "Zac has learned a lot about how to show up in relationships, how to attune to people. I feel like that's really important for him. So I feel really confident for Zac going it into the real world."

Virgin Island returns tonight at 10pm on Channel 4.