Virgin Island's Joy was seen wiping away her tears after a "special" intimacy challenge during the second series of the controversial Channel 4 show. The 22-year-old from Falmouth joined sexological bodyworker and intimacy expert Ilil Lunkry for a one-to-one session where she was asked to examine her own vulva in a mirror before exploring her body with oil to discover what aroused her.
Religious Upbringing and Shame
Confessing she had not experienced arousal for years, Joy opened up about her religious upbringing as she attempts to shed early beliefs surrounding sex, intimacy, and pleasure. At just 12 years old, Joy revealed details about a Christian camp she attended, which resulted in shame surrounding masturbation following an "intervention" — feelings she continues to grapple with to this day.
Following her session, the star was visibly emotional as she thanked Ilil for a "special" experience that enabled her to feel pleasure and confront those feelings of shame. She said: "Thank you very much for giving me this experience, it's such a precious feeling, really special."
Support from Viewers
It's not the first occasion Joy has become tearful on the programme, appearing to also find things difficult during yesterday's premiere. The events co-ordinator has been candid throughout her time on Virgin Island, also discussing a rare condition she lives with, vaginismus — which involves the involuntary spasm and painful tightening of the vaginal muscles, making attempted penetration challenging and painful.
Beyond difficulties connected to sex, the condition also creates problems with tampon insertion and pelvic examinations as Joy has spoken openly about her heightened anxiety regarding intimacy. Support has poured in for the Virgin Island star as one person posted on X: "Joy is gaining so much confidence already." Another comment stated: "Goooo Joy Having the support she needs will hopefully help her to explore her body and sexuality."
A third remarked: "so much damage done to Joy by religious upbringing and lies." A fourth wrote: "Feel so much for Joy." Having previously spoken about her appearance on Virgin Island, Joy revealed: "I told my friends there was no way I'd go through with it, but watching Series 1 really changed my mind. Despite having a vaginismus diagnosis for years, I had only made minimal progress and was starting to lose hope of ever being healed. Deep down, I think I knew I needed the expert help and was just hiding behind the humour of it all."
Virgin Island airs Mondays and Tuesdays on Channel 4 at 9pm.
