A Co Down man is looking for love on the UK's first ever gay dating show where the "path to love is never straight".
I Kissed A Boy follows 10 single guys who are matched up, and meet for the first time… with a kiss. No small talk. No messages. Just one kiss to test out their chemistry straight away.
Kilkeel stylist Gareth is the only contestant from Northern Ireland to feature in the new dating experiment and hopes the show will empower the next generation of gay men to be proud of who they are.
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Hosted by singer Dannii Minogue, I Kissed a Boy is packed with explosive drama, gripping cliffhangers and powerful untold stories - from coming out in a strict religious family, to the pressures of body image in the gay dating scene, to navigating self-acceptance, sex and first same sex relationships.
The BBC said: "Serving joy, entertainment and a sparkling soundtrack full of gay anthems, I Kissed a Boy is the ground-breaking show that will celebrate the queer community and invites all viewers to join the party.
"Expect chemistry, connections and love at first kiss when I Kissed A Boy lands on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer."
Meet Gareth, 28, Kilkeel
Gareth lives in East London working as a stylist. Gareth adores all things fashion, everything from vintage runway couture to the latest club looks. He loves to get creative and plan extravagant party outfits.
In a community where family life revolved around religion and traditional roles, Gareth felt like an outsider. As a young boy he used to secretly flick through editions of Vogue dreaming of a different life. Reflecting back, Gareth says that he spent so many years trying to be someone he wasn’t.
He came out when he was 24 and then when Gareth moved to London, his life completely changed. He says that he dived straight into the gay scene and embraced everything about it, making up for lost time.
Now Gareth has a vibrant social life and his closest friends are the people who he met on the London scene. Gareth loves to joke around with his friends and make people laugh. When it comes to dating, Gareth is sick of “toxic” mindsets guys have about masculinity. He’s hoping to meet a fellow free spirit with confidence and queer energy.
Before appearing on the show, Gareth said: "I just hope that some queer kid, who’s scared to be who they are, sees this and it makes them feel strong, glorious and powerful enough for them to accept and display their true authentic selves to the world.
"Something I wish I would have done a lot sooner in my life."
I Kissed A Boy launches on BBC iPlayer on Saturday 13 May at 6am and Sunday 14 May at 9pm on BBC Three
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