Lorraine contributor Celia Walden, who is married to Piers Morgan, has revealed that she found Virgin Island ‘too cringeworthy to watch’ in her scathing review of the show

Presenter and broadcaster Celia Walden has given her honest review of Channel 4’s controversial new show Virgin Island, revealing that she found it to be the “most uncomfortable” watch.

Speaking to Lorraine’s Christine Lampard, Celia – who is married to journalist Piers Morgan – said about the show: “You can actually feel your shoulders hunching. It’s a real through-parted-fingers job because they have these sex surrogates who are basically the teachers, like a sex coach, who as far as I can tell…it’s the opposite of conventional therapy.

“They’re allowed to go all the way. I don’t know how far the show is going to go but they will teach you to become comfortable with your body and start touching you. I found it just too cringeworthy to watch.”

Ceila ‘slammed’ Channel 4 Show Virgin Island on Lorraine
However, entertainment reporter Tyler West was much more positive of the show and the contestants, saying it takes courage to put themselves out there on TV.

Speaking about the Gen-Z contestants, Celia explained how they were the least sexually active generation in history due to technology and other factors. Continuing, Celia questioned: “When does it tip over the edge of being exploitative?”

Joking about the premise of the show, which sees the use of a surrogate partner – a professional who can be physically intimate with their client if they are ready to do so, Tyler said: “I can’t imagine sitting there and your therapist just starts kissing your neck. I just don’t think that’s going to fix the situation!” as the studio burst into laughter.

Last night, viewers were left baffled by the first episode of the Channel 4 show with eye-popping scenes moments into the series – which aired just after watershed.

Their controversial new show follows twelve adult virgins as they take on a bespoke intimacy course that’s designed to help them overcome their fears around sex.

However, viewers were taken aback by the “raunchy” scenes just moments after watershed, as they took to X, formerly known as Twitter to share their shock. “What the hell is this?” Another added: “What. The. Actual. F**k.?!?!” Someone else commented: “Didn’t think tv would get any lower, then pops along.”

“This is so exploitative. I’m panicking myself and I’m watching it at home!! I can’t even imagine being one of them right now. This is awful,” wrote another, seemingly agreeing with Celia’s comments.