Film & TV3 min(s) read
Published 13:50 29 Apr 2026 GMT
British reality show Virgin Island is back for a second season tonight, but ahead of the new series launch, one of the show’s most talked-about stars has lifted the lid on a behind-the-scenes rule that left viewers stunned.
Dave, the accountant who became the only participant in Season 1 to lose his virginity on the show, revealed he was not allowed to stay in contact with sex surrogate Kat Slade after filming ended, despite the pair’s intimate connection playing out on screen.
The BAFTA-nominated show follows 12 adult virgins at an intimacy retreat where they work with sex and relationship coaches to tackle confidence struggles and sexual issues. Season 2 premieres April 27 at 9PM on Channel 4 and introduces a new group of participants, including 35-year-old childcare practitioner Ellen, the show’s oldest virgin yet.
While Dave’s intimate experience with Kat became one of the biggest talking points of the first season, he later admitted the relationship was cut off once production wrapped.
Speaking in a 2025 interview with the Daily Mail, he said: "It was explained very clearly to us that you don't stay in touch after – it's sort of, two weeks, and that's it, and then you move on.
"It's not easy to just detach from feelings, but I think it's an important lesson of it to like have those feelings and then let go of them, which probably is one of the most important lessons."
The revelation has put fresh focus on the show’s unusual format, where participants can build deep emotional bonds with surrogate partners while knowing those relationships have boundaries.
Channel 4’s synopsis for the new season teases more emotional breakthroughs, stating: "Celeste and Danielle, backed by an expanded team of sex therapists, have surprises that push them to confront their sexual issues—from religious shame and online bullying to body image anxiety. The experts also tackle sexual disorders on the rise among young people, such as premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and vaginismus.
"With many scared of intimate touch, will anyone fall in love, fall into bed, or even lose their virginity? The results are remarkable - more life-changing than ever before."
Dave recently returned in a Virgin Island reunion special released on Channel 4’s streaming service on April 20, where he reunited with fellow Season 1 stars Jason and Taylor to reflect on their experience.
Taylor also revealed that the cast’s group chat was hilariously named “virgins - and Dave”, a nod to Dave’s status as the only participant to have sex during the debut run.
Looking back at the moment that made him famous, Dave joked: "Obviously, the biggest thing was losing my virginity, which millions of people have now seen, including my mum. Which I was not expecting."
The reunion special landed just days before the second season launch, giving fans a reminder of the raw and often awkward moments that made the show a surprise hit.
The new season promises even more personal challenges, with intimacy fears, body image struggles, and sexual disorders all set to be explored by a fresh cast.
With Virgin Island airing on Channel 4 tonight, viewers will be watching to see whether another participant follows in Dave’s footsteps, or whether the new batch face an entirely different path.
One thing is certain: Dave’s confession about being banned from speaking to Kat has added another layer of intrigue to a show already known for pushing people far outside their comfort zones.
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