Double Act for Channel 4
As one of our judges put it, Virgin Island explores “a topic everyone can identify with and remember having experienced at some point in their life, in a delicate, heart-warming way”.
This thought-provoking series from Double Act follows 12 young adult virgins who check into a unique and experimental retreat in Croatia. Once there, they partake in various workshops and one-on-one therapy sessions with the aim of dealing with their insecurities about sex. The programme aimed explore why so many young people feel uncomfortable or anxious about engaging in sexual activity.
According to Channel 4 data, the series was the channel’s most successful unscripted launch since records began, racking up a consolidated 28-day audience of 2 million – some 814,000 of which fell into that all-important 16-34 age group.
One judge applauded the show’s huge success with audiences as a “huge achievement for a first series”, while another commended its bravery, ambition and casting.
Another judge said: “It dealt with important contemporary issues with wit, intelligence and sensitivity. Above all, it was a great watch, that made you think, made you laugh and made you cry.”
SHORTLISTED
Clarkson’s Farm
Expectation TV & Con Dao for Prime Video
Labelled as a series with “drama, jeopardy and heart” by one of our judges, the Expectation TV & Con Dao productions series sees the former Top Gear and Grand Tour star expand his countryside empire as he attempts to become a pub landlord.
Extraordinary Portraits
Chatterbox Media for BBC
Comedian and musician Bill Bailey fronts this intimate series that centres the stories of everyday people as they sit to have their portrait painted by a notable British artist. The series was admired for its ability to handle complex and emotional stories.
Pete Wicks: For Dogs’ Sake
BBC Studios Entertainment for U&W
Reality TV star Pete Wicks spends time in Basildon’s Dogs Trust meeting new four-legged friends and supporting them through their rehabilitation process. One of our judges summarised the series as “entertaining, thought provoking, emotional” adding: “It made me want to go and rescue a dog.”
Sort Your Life Out
Optomen Television for BBC
Now on its fifth series, home improvement show Sort Your Life Out has become a staple, providing contributors with a life changing experience and audiences with helpful takeaways on organising and upcycling.
The series was praised by judges for it “brilliant” cast and contributors”, particularly in regard to representation and diversity.
The Piano
Love Productions for Channel 4
The much-adored Love Productions’ format once again saw amateur musicians take to the keys inside Britian’s train stations. This latest series welcomed Grammy award-winning musician Jon Batiste as a new judge and was hailed for offering educational nuggets amid its humorous and moving moments.
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