BONK BUSTER
Why Brits NEED steamy sex scenes & the best shows to watch to reignite a spark, it’s not just Rivals & Bridgerton
Scroll down to find out what our sexpert's top shows to watch with your partner are
IF you’re looking to reignite the spark between you and your partner, then Jilly Cooper’s long-awaited TV bonk-buster Rivals might be top of the list.
Since premiering on Disney+ this month, the eight-part series has been celebrated as the sexiest show to grace our screens this year.
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Just seconds into the show two people join the Mile High Club in the toilet of a Concorde.
Relationship expert and couples coach believes this is exactly what Brits need, especially with recent statistics claiming that we are in a sex drought.
Research by the has revealed that nearly a third of men and women have not had sex in the past month.
Annabelle says: “Sex scenes in movies and TV shows can have a surprising benefit for couples.
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“Watching intimate scenes together can be a powerful way for couples to reconnect.
“These moments can spark open conversations about desires, fantasies, and intimacy, offering a safe way to explore topics that might make you feel awkward in real life.
“The shared experience of watching something sensual can deepen emotional bonds, making both partners feel more connected.
“Plus, it can open your eyes to new sexual scenarios and broaden your horizons for pleasure.”
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Couples may feel inspired to bring fresh energy into their relationship by watching characters on screen and feeling inspired by what they see.
Annabelle continues: “Sex scenes also encourage couples to remember the passion and chemistry that may have petered out in long-term relationships.
First look at Disney+'s Rivals with topless Emily Atack, raunchy sex and stars stripping naked
“It reminds them of the importance of maintaining that spark, both physically and emotionally.
“We’re naturally drawn to connection - it’s human nature to want intimacy and passion, so it’s easy to see why watching steamy moments on screen is appealing.
“Sex scenes can be cathartic; they allow us to experience the thrill of physical intimacy vicariously and can tap into our fantasies, helping us to live them from the safety of our sofa.
“Further to that, good sex scenes are often wrapped in a compelling story, which can help us to emotionally connect with the character’s journey, which makes the viewing compelling.
We’re attracted to the steamy power dynamics and intense passion that this show offers
Annabelle Knight
“Sexy scenes can elevate the experience of watching a film or series, as they often play a pivotal role in revealing character vulnerability or emotional shifts.
“It’s more than just a physical act, quite often these scenes help to reveal more about our characters and end up being the crescendo of the relationship’s evolution.”
Here, Annabelle reveals to Yasmin Harisha the top sexy scenes that get you ready for action.
Rivals
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As Jilly Cooper’s classic Rivals hits our screens, it brings plenty of raunchy moments.
We’re attracted to the steamy power dynamics and intense passion that this show offers.
The sex scenes in Rivals are unforgettable; especially when we see Emily Atack’s character Sarah’s full frontal tennis scene, which collectively blew our minds.
Special mention to the raunchy scenes on board the famous plane, Concorde too, that had many of us signing up for a mile-high club membership.
Bridgerton
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This show revolutionised the way period dramas depict sex.
The chemistry between Daphne and Simon in season one captured audiences with its slow build-up and explosive foreplay.
The romantic tension combined with beautifully shot scenes and fabulous costumes makes Bridgerton a must-watch.
Unfaithful
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This film, by the director of Fatal Attraction and Indecent Proposal, tells the story of a woman wrestling between desire and guilt.
It delivers what is arguably one of the most intense sex scenes out there and is filled with tension, obsession, and emotional depth.
Unfaithful shows us just how complex, and possibly dangerous, desire can be.
Normal People
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This show’s raw, honest portrayal of intimacy between Marianne and Connell was groundbreaking.
The way Normal People handled consent and vulnerability brought a new level of depth to on-screen sexual relationships and gave us something new when it comes to sex on TV.
Sex/Life
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Known for its explicit and often jaw-dropping raunchy scenes, Sex/Life does not hold back when it comes to portraying intense passion and desire.
The now-famous shower scene continues to leave viewers talking.
Euphoria
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Sydney Sweeney’s steamy scenes as Cassie brought heat and raw emotion to the screen, as the show pushes boundaries while portraying the complexities of teenage sexuality.
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Whether it’s the all-out nudity in Rivals, the irresistible chemistry in Bridgerton, or the boundary-pushing moments in Euphoria, sex scenes remind us of the power of intimacy.
They can lead to happier and healthier relationships by inspiring us to be more open about our wants and desires with our partner.
Why are sex scenes so important?
By relationship expert
When it comes to intimacy, I don’t believe in letting TV or movies dictate what is sexy.
I don’t watch sex scenes to inform my sense of desire or passion - I go off a deeper, spiritual experience within.
For me, true intimacy is about connecting with your partner on a soul level, not mimicking what you see on screen.
I encourage couples to embark on their own personal journey of connection, rather than looking outside of themselves for what “sexy” should look like.
In Men Need Love Too, I emphasize that intimacy for men needs to be rooted in more than just physicality. It’s about the emotional and spiritual bond.
For me, true connection is when you’re completely lost in the moment, enjoying every lick, taste, and smell.
It’s those sensory experiences that draw you into a deeper, more fulfilling connection with your partner, beyond what any TV scene can portray.
Take Fifty Shades of Grey for example.
While many viewed it as an exploration of passion, I saw it as two emotionally damaged people trying to connect through purely physical means.
Real intimacy requires more: it’s about vulnerability, emotional depth, and a spiritual bond. That’s where the true spark comes from.
Rather than watching shows like Rivals or Bridgerton, I believe in creating authentic, real-life moments of intimacy.
Those moments, when you’re fully present with your partner, lost in the sensation of the experience, are what keep the passion alive.
By focusing inward and fostering that spiritual connection, couples can experience a type of intimacy that no TV scene can ever capture.
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