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Channel 4's new reality sensation Virgin Island has sparked a storm of controversy among viewers. The show tracks the journey of 12 young adults, aged between 22 and 30, as they confront their fear of intimacy and have sex for the first time.

According to the official description: "This warm, authentic and thought-provoking series explores these issues as some of the world's leading sexologists take the twelve courageous virgins on a unique, hands-on programme, to help them take their first steps towards sex and intimacy.

"But, with so many of the group terrified of even being touched, will any be able to fall in love, fall into bed... or even achieve their ultimate aim of losing their virginity?"

The provocative six-part series debuted on May 12, splitting audience opinion right down the middle.

Some have lauded it as touching and insightful, while others have labelled it cringe-worthy and even "shocking", especially given the hands-on role sexperts Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschmann take with their young clients, all in full view of the cameras.

In the run-up to the first episode releasing, the cast shared their personal motivations for joining the show. Care worker Charlotte, 29, gave a moving explanation for her decision to take part, .

"I wanted to rid myself of my shame that I had surrounding my body, and my desire, and my ability to give myself pleasure, I wanted to be honest with myself so that I would not be hindered when having relationships in the future," she confessed.

Meanwhile, 24-year-old accountant Dave admitted that what he first considered a "joke" rapidly transformed into "the opportunity of a lifetime."

He revealed: "I have always struggled to open up to people in any manner as I'm naturally very cautious. This led me to feel invisible. A feeling I couldn't take anymore."

Food industry worker Emma, aged 23, believes the series "shines light on a topic some people may typically tiptoe around or find controversial."

She elaborated: "The fact that this concept was being brought to TV made me realise being over 21 and never having sex was not as rare as I thought it was.

"I think important attention is being brought to the fact that statistics show a significant decline in sexual activity since the 2000s."

The youngest participant of the show, care advisor Louise who is 22, shared that she had "never imagined" herself on a reality show like Virgin Island but had a change of heart.

"My friend actually sent me the application as a joke, and I thought, 'Why not?' I was at the point where I was willing to try anything and had just accepted that there must've just been something wrong with me - I think the fact that my friends would see the word 'virgin' and think of me says enough to be honest," she disclosed.

Virgin Island airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 9pm on Channel 4, with each episode then made available to stream on Channel 4 On Demand