Shocking Virgin Island scene where sexpert was forced to end naked session leaves viewers asking one legal question

If you've been flicking through the channels this month in the hopes of finding something new to watch, chances are you will have come across Virgin Island.

The Channel 4 programme, which hit our screens a few weeks back (12 May), is pretty much what it says on the tin;12 adults aged between 22 and 30 who haven't had sex yet head to a luxury resort in Croatia to work with experts and therapists on overcoming their barriers around intimacy.

Now, as we know, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being an adult and deciding not to be physically intimate in that way with someone, but for this group, they're keen to learn a little more about themselves when it comes to the sex department, and learn a number of lessons about how to actually knock boots.

Such lessons include talks around desires, fantasies, self-pleasure, sexual positions, emotional connection, communication, and, arguably most importantly, setting and respecting to boundaries to ensure they're having safe and consensual relations.

While many viewers at home have confessed to feeling 'creeped out' by the reality TV programme, which features licensed sex therapists, 'sexologist bodyworkers', coaches, and surrogate partner therapists, it's clear that a number of contestants have reported back to feeling a great sense of progress throughout the process - though this hasn't seemed to be the case with everyone.

Last night's episode (26 May) saw one of the experts, Kat Slade, end a naked session with contestant Zac as she told him to put his clothes back on after he made a particularly alarming comment towards her.

Monday's episode (26 May) of Virgin Island proved to be quite the shocker (Channel 4)

What is a 'surrogate partner'?

Now, for context, Kat is one of the show's surrogate partner therapists, who is 'dedicated to helping individuals move through physical and emotional barriers to achieve greater intimacy and sexual expression'.

Kat's role as a surrogate partner therapist means she is willing to have sex with one of the contestants if the relationship progresses to a point in which both are comfortable.

However, it seems Kat was not comfortable with a comment Zac made while they were both standing naked in front of one another.

Zac, a 28-year-old delivery driver, told her: “I want to move forward… I want to touch you and be touched by you.”

But Kat pointed out that Zac was focusing primarily on touch.

Virgin Island contestant, Zac, has left many Channel 4 viewers seriously 'uncomfortable' (Channel 4)

Zac then made a comment which seemed to end the session entirely, telling Kat: "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."

Moments later, Kat told Zac to get dressed, concluding the session.

Such an interaction has prompted people watching to wonder about the ethics and legality of such a profession.

What are Channel 4 viewers saying about Virgin Island?

Viewers at home have not been shy when it comes to sharing their shock over the controversial TV show, with many rushing to social media to share their thoughts.

"The thing with Virgin Island is I can't skip the second hand embarrassment," penned one X user.

A second confessed: "Virgin Island has got to be one of the maddest things i’ve watched in a LONG TIME!"

"Virgin Island is the craziest show I’ve ever watched," echoed a third, and a fourth chimed in: "This Virgin Island is nuts!"

A fifth hit out: "Just catching up with Virgin Island, shocking stuff."

"Guys if you haven’t already you actually have to watch Virgin Island," urged a sixth, before adding: "It’s the best thing I’ve ever watched but also the worst thing I’ve ever seen. It’s so conflicting morally but get me a season 2 immediately please?"

"Virgin Island is the craziest show ever it feels so weird and wrong for so many reasons oh my god," reflected another.

And a final X user agreed: "I know it’s unethical but Virgin Island is sooo crazy."

Many Virgin Island viewers at home have been fascinated as to whether 'surrogate partners' are legal or not (Channel 4)

Are 'surrogate partners' legal?

Well, speaking of ethics, it's clear many viewers at home have been fascinated as to whether 'surrogate partners' are legal or not.

Now, the laws around the, um, alternative therapy are pretty complex.

But, with that said, the UK’s College of Sexual and Relationship Therapists advises against it in its Code of Ethics and Practice.

Namely, the code states that therapists must 'not provide, advocate, or help anyone procure sexual surrogacy or bodywork involving touch'.

While sexual contact is very much so on the cards when it comes to this particular type of therapy, the practice in itself is not technically considered sex work due to its use within a therapeutic and clinical setting.

However, with that said, it is not actually illegal to pay someone to have sex in the UK unless a person is soliciting sex work in a public space.

Tyla has reached out to Channel 4 for comment.

Virgin Island is currently available to stream on Channel 4.