Virgin Island experts: Meet the new and returning coaches

Channel 4 is returning to Virgin Island, introducing audiences to a new group of young people, each struggling with intimacy anxiety.

Alongside the Mediterranean retreat, Dr Danielle Harel and Celeste Hirschman both return, backed by an expanded team of sex therapists, ready to push the participants to confront their sexual issues - from religious shame and online bullying to body image anxiety.

This season, the experts also tackle sexual disorders on the rise among young people, including erectile dysfunction and vaginismus.

But who are the experts guiding the participants on their journey? Read on to find out more.

Virgin Island experts

• Dr Danielle Harel
• Celeste Hirschman
• Kat Slade, Surrogate partner therapist
• Andre Lazarus, Surrogate partner therapist
• Aisha Paris Smith, Sexological bodyworker
• Dr Abby Sheneman, Clinical therapist
• Shelby Devlin, BDSM coach
• Risdon Roberts, Surrogate partner therapist
• Ilil Lunkry, Sexological bodyworker
• Jason King, Sexological bodyworker

Scroll down to learn more about each expert.

Dr Danielle Harel

Role: Sex and relationship coach

Dr Danielle Harel is co-founder of the Somatica Institute and co-creator of the Somatica method, an experiential approach that combines emotional connection with practical tools to build confidence, communication and intimacy.

"We were happy that we had more time with them so that we could offer new experiential workshops to challenge and inspire them," Danielle said of returning to the island.

Celeste Hirschman

Role: Sex and relationship coach

Celeste Hirschman is co-founder of the Somatica Institute and co-creator of the Somatica method.

She is known for pairing sharp insight with deep compassion, helping people move beyond shame, communicate more clearly and build confident, connected sex lives.

"We were most excited to meet this whole new group of courageous people and find out what they really wanted for themselves," Celeste said. "There is nothing more satisfying to us than to see them blossoming into their full potential!"

Kat Slade

Role: Surrogate Partner Therapist

Kat Slade is a certified surrogate partner and somatic practitioner returning for season 2 of Virgin Island.

In her role, Kat supports clients to build confidence, improve communication and work through barriers to intimacy and sexual expression in a structured, supportive setting.

On why she wanted to return for season 2, Kat said: "Seeing the real, lasting transformations from the first series made it feel great to come back. And it’s a meaningful environment to be part of."

Andre Lazarus

Role: Surrogate partner therapist

Also returning for season 2 is Andre Lazarus, a certified intimacy, sex and relationship practitioner and surrogate partner with over 10 years' experience supporting individuals and couples to overcome sexual anxiety and build confidence and connection.

"Coming back for a second series felt like a natural yes because the impact of the first season was bigger than any of us expected," he explained. "I saw how deeply people resonated with the contributors' vulnerability, and I wanted to help support this amazing effort again."

He continued: "Virgin Island felt like meaningful work that was actually helping people overcome their intimate challenges. I knew we could go further and deeper in season 2."

Aisha Paris Smith

Role: Sexological bodyworker

Aisha Paris Smith is a certified somatic sexologist, bodyworker and speaker, also returning in season 2.

In her role, Aisha supports people of all genders and orientations to build confidence, connection and pleasure through trauma-informed, body-based work.

She wanted to return because the show "genuinely changes people", explaining further: "Series 1 didn’t just entertain, it gave people language for things they’d never been able to say out loud. I had messages from women in tears, realising there was nothing wrong with their bodies, and from couples finally able to name their desires.

"This is the kind of emotional and sexual education most of us never received growing up. Until that changes, this show fills a real gap. I’m proud to be part of something that shows the vulnerable, human reality of sexuality in a culture that still struggles to talk about it."

Dr Abby Sheneman

Role: Clinical therapist

Dr Abby Sheneman returns for season 2 as a licensed clinical social worker who specialises in sex therapy, trauma therapy and grief counselling.

She returned because of her "overarching desire to help people truly embrace and challenge contemporary thoughts and feelings about sex, mental health and well-being while reducing the stigma surrounding surrogate partner therapy".

Shelby Devlin

Role: BDSM coach

Shelby Devlin is a new addition to Virgin Island, who was "delighted to discover" that the series was much different to the American reality TV she consumed.

"The show treats its participants with real care and respect, creating a space where vulnerability is honoured," she said.

Shelby is a BDSM coach, kink expert and sex educator with 15 years' experience. She holds a master's degree in sexuality studies and is certified in the Somatica method.

Risdon Roberts

Role: Surrogate partner therapist

Feeling inspired by Kat Slade's work in season 1, Risdon Roberts was keen to participate in season 2, as well as being good friends with Andre [Lazarus] whose positive experience on the show was "a major reason" why she signed up.

Risdon is a surrogate partner therapist and intimacy expert who, after a career in TV and film, trained as an intimacy coordinator and shifted her focus to human sexuality.

She works with clients who are new to intimacy, experiencing sexual dysfunction or coming out later in life.

Ilil Lunkry

Role: Sexological bodyworker

Ilil is a sexological bodyworker and Somatica sex and relationship coach, who supports individuals and couples to build more fulfilling intimate lives through practical, body-based work.

Asked about her time on the island, Ilil said: "Genuinely grateful doesn't even cover it. It was an unforgettable experience, surrounded by people who are truly good at what they do and genuinely good as humans.

"Everyone there was driven by the same thing: doing meaningful work in the world. That's a rare thing, and it felt incredibly fulfilling to be part of it. And the participants individually - each one was an absolute star."

Jason King

Role: Sexological bodyworker

New for season 2, Jason King is a sexological bodyworker and somatic sex educator, who supports people through 1:1 bodywork, group workshops and retreats, helping them reduce shame, express authentic desires, set boundaries and build pleasure rooted in safety and connection.

"I'm delighted I could be part of this journey of self-discovery, education, and ultimately - self-love," Jason said of his time on the island. "Witnessing the confidence, self-assurance, and genuine self-acceptance that the cast developed through this process was incredibly inspiring."

Virgin Island returns on Monday 27 April at 9pm on Channel 4.

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