Virgin Island stars sparked backlash after defending the use of sex surrogates live on This Morning. While they insisted it's healing, viewers weren’t buying it. Here’s what happened.
Tags: Virgin Island, This Morning, sex surrogates, TV controversy, Ethan DC, UK reality shows, daytime TV, viewer backlash, celebrity news, trending
‘Virgin Island’ Stars Defend Using ‘Sex Surrogates’ on This Morning — But Viewers Are Not Impressed
Another day, another daytime TV controversy. The stars of the provocative new reality series Virgin Island appeared on ITV’s This Morning this week to defend the show's controversial inclusion of sex surrogates—and let’s just say viewers weren’t exactly clapping along.
The cast, joined by one of the show’s so-called intimacy guides, claimed that the use of sex surrogates was about "healing and empowerment," not exploitation. But judging by social media reactions, much of the public disagreed.
“It’s not porn, it’s therapy,” one star insisted during the segment.
“We're helping people confront trauma and grow into their bodies.”
What Is Virgin Island All About?
Virgin Island is a new UK-based reality show that follows singles who’ve struggled with intimacy or sexual confidence. In a twist that’s sparked both curiosity and outrage, some participants are paired with trained sex surrogates to help guide them through their emotional and physical barriers.
The show markets itself as "part retreat, part radical therapy experiment"—but many viewers are calling it “just another sensational stunt for ratings.”
Backlash Erupts Across Social Media
The This Morning segment quickly went viral, with U.S. and UK viewers alike slamming the show for what some called a “disturbing” approach to reality television.
“This isn’t therapy, it’s televised sex work,” one user posted on X.
“Imagine explaining this to your kids eating breakfast while this is on,” another wrote.
Some experts also weighed in with concerns, noting that true intimacy coaching and sex therapy require strict professional boundaries, licensing, and consent frameworks that reality TV may struggle to enforce transparently.
Producers Defend the Concept
Despite the controversy, producers of Virgin Island maintain that the program was developed with the input of licensed sex therapists and that all participants underwent psychological screening and consent-based workshops.
“It’s not for everyone,” one producer told Variety, “but the conversation around sexual health, trauma, and empowerment is long overdue on mainstream TV.”
Ethan DC's Take
The ethics of turning trauma and sexuality into entertainment are clearly polarizing—and Virgin Island walks a very fine line. While opening up conversations around sex and healing is important, doing it for prime-time views raises questions that can’t be ignored.
Bottom Line? The Public’s Not Convinced.
With mounting criticism and growing media attention, the real question is: Are shows like Virgin Island pushing boundaries or crossing the line? One thing’s for sure—it’s trending, and everyone’s talking.
Stick with Ethan DC for more updates on reality TV shake-ups, media controversies, and what everyone’s really saying online.
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