But this one is certainly something a little different as Channel 4 has revealed it’s currently casting for a new show that’s in the works, and is calling on adult virgins to come forward and take part.
The broadcaster has put out a casting call for brand-new show, which currently has the working title of ‘The Intimacy Retreat’, on it’s website, and applications are now open.
While not a great deal is known about the new show at this moment in time, what we do know is, judging by the brief synopsis of it released by the broadcaster, that participants will be whisked off to a not-yet-confirmed Mediterranean island retreat, and be guided along on a journey of intimacy.
Image: Universal Pictures
It’s probably fair to say it’ll follow along the lines of Love Island, First Dates, and other similar reality series we all know and love – but obviously, just with the twist that all of the participants will consider themselves to be ‘virgins’.
But what exactly is the reason for the new show being created? What made Channel 4 want to commission the new series? Well, it’s apparently all due to a recent study into intimacy.
According to this study, it’s because one in eight British 26-year-olds is currently a virgin.
The official casting call for the ‘The Intimacy Retreat’ on the Channel 4 website reads: “Are you a virgin? Or have you always struggled with intimacy?
Image: The CW
“According to a recent study, one in eight British 26-year-olds is still a virgin. If YOU are aged 21 or over, and would like to be guided in the art of intimacy on a Mediterranean island retreat, you find more information and T&Cs, and apply online now.”
Fancy it then? Or know someone who may be up for the ride? Applications for ‘The Intimacy Retreat’ are now open, and there’s still a good couple of weeks left to put your name down.
The deadline for applications is 25 February, and you can apply here.
Featured Image – Universal Pictures
Art & Culture
Adventurous people from Yorkshire needed to take part in next series of BBC’s Race Across the World
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? Well, this might just be your calling then.
The BBC is, once again, casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show draws in thousands of viewers each week, and now producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea for the next seried – and that includes Yorkshire residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic people from Yorkshire are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
Adventurous Mancs are needed to take part in the next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, ‘the physical journey is only half of the story’. That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.”
Fancy it then? Applications for the next series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 29 March 2026, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
You may have heard of the funny Star Wars stripper show or even seen clips of it online, but rumour has it that nothing can quite prepare you for the cheekiness of seeing this romp in the flesh.
In case you’ve been completely immersed in the dark side until now, here’s what you can expect:
Now well over a decade into its success and more than 200 Las Vegas shows, ‘The Empire Strips Back’ made its long-awaited transatlantic debut earlier this year.
Getting away at London’s Riverside Studios from May and enjoying a run until this past August, the comedy-driven twist on the classic Star Wars stories and beloved sci-fi characters was an instant hit with us Brits.
It started in Australia way back in 2011 and has gone not only to tour across Europe, but land a coveted residency at the Rio Hotel and Casino in Nevada.
Now set to seek out new padawans and storm-strippers all over the cosmos, and by that we mean the UK, ‘The Empire Strips Back: Burlesque Parody’ is coming to Manchester.
Set to land at TESTBED in February from from Thursday 12 to Sunday 22 specifically, we cannot wait to see how this goes down with Northern crowds.
It’s also worth noting that this two-hour show, including intermission, is a strictly 18+ only event; if you’re interested, you can find out more info and grab your tickets right HERE.
Emily Sergeant -
18th January 2024 
