Channel 4 star Effy Blue on why viewers need to see 'real sex' on TV

A relationship guru has shed light on a new series that viewers "can't stop watching".

Channel 4's Open House: The Great Sex Experiment, has been causing quite a stir with its explosive episodes and heated scenes, with the latest episode synopsis reading: "Open House is back with a bang, with a sexy gang of new residents and a new open relationship expert."

In previous episodes, viewers watched couples struggle with their emotions as they ventured beyond their comfort zones while exploring non-monogamy, often for the first time.

Resident Alex faced his own insecurities after he and Alana decided to open up their relationship, inviting Georgia into their bedroom. This led to the couple's departure from the retreat when Alex confessed he couldn't continue.

The provocative show has sparked reactions on social media, with opinions decidedly mixed. On Mumsnet, one viewer admitted their "jaw is on the floor", while another described the show as "astonishing", reports Surrey Live.

Another viewer found it "compelling in a horrified sort of way." Over on Reddit, some users confessed they "can't stop watching", while others expressed embarrassment at what they were witnessing on their screens.

In an exclusive chat with Reach Plc's Screen Time team, expert Effy Blue confirmed the authenticity of what viewers see on screen. She said: "Oh it's very real and I think it's so important that it's real because we don't really see real sex anywhere.

"We see Hollywood which is sheets and feet and we see impossible angles and impossible sights, but none of that is real. The show is all real, they are real cameras and real people."

Despite the risqué scenes catching some off-guard, Effy confessed there was only one thing that surprised her this series, and it wasn't the antics in the red room. She stated: "Nothing has surprised me in terms of what people were getting up to.

"But the pace at which some people were moving and how quickly the shift happens, you could just say it was bubbling up, that was interesting."

She continued: "At this point nothing really shocks me. I've realised we are creating a real safe space for people and applying the right amount of pressure so they can find the courage. For some it was a smooth progression but for others, they kind of burst out and their life has changed."

However, the extent of the show's content that was going to be broadcast came as a pleasant surprise, as viewers are offered a glimpse into the red room and get to witness the couples' intimate experiences first hand. She revealed: "I didn't know how much was going to be shown, it's not up to me, but now seeing it we are pushing some boundaries and good for us.

"Yay for real people having real sex on TV."

Effy has become a beacon of guidance for those venturing into non-monogamy. She extends her support through her podcast, Curious Fox, and suggests that an open relationship might actually strengthen a couple's connection.

She added: "These days monogamy is one person at a time, but it's not for everyone. It obviously fits enough people that it's the most commonly used model, but it doesn't fit everybody and what this show provides is, if it doesn't fit me then what is out there?".

"There's nothing wrong with monogamy if you are thriving in it."

The programme has sparked widespread conversation, ranging from emotional complexities to collective sexual experiences.

Open House: The Great Sex Experiment airs on Channel 4 on Friday at 10pm.