Dating shows remain a well-loved format by the British public, but a gay dating show is amazingly the first of its kind in the UK.
The highly anticipated reality TV series, I Kissed a Boy, will premiere on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer this weekend... and the premise means there’s no small talk and no swiping!
But who is in the show and how exactly will it work? Here’s everything you need to know.
Who is in the show?
The series will be fronted by Dannii Minogue, who herself is a gay icon and was one of the first pop stars ever to play at London’s iconic nightclub G-A-Y in the Nineties.
She commented: “I can’t believe we’re in 2023 saying it’s Britain’s first gay dating show ever. When those words spill out of my mouth, I’m in shock.”
The trailer reveals Ms Minogue exclaiming ‘Buongiorno boys!’ as the singletons meet for the first time in Italy.
How will the show work?
Ms Minogue will supervise the matchmaking of 10 single men, who will meet their prospective lover with a kiss.
The rules of the show mean they cannot say a single word to each until after they have smooched.
Narrator Layton Williams will announce: “The path to love is never straight. It’s loud, it’s proud… and it all starts with a kiss.”
The contestants will be living in an Italian country house, where they will be tasked with getting to know each other and putting their new relationships to the test.
But with so many tempting new lovers readily available, inevitably eyes will start to wander.
There will be a series of Kiss-Offs that will test chemistry and will leave men with a choice whether to stay in their current partnership or move on with another boy.
It’s set to mimic the trials and tribulations within the gay dating scene.
The BBC says: “Will it be a polite peck? Or a passionate snog? And ultimately, will that first kiss lead to love?
“Get ready for the UK’s first ever gay dating show, where the path to love is never straight. It’s loud, it’s proud… and it all starts with a kiss.
“Fly in pop icon Dannii Minogue to play Cupid, and it’s the party you do not want to miss.”
Speaking to The Guardian about the show, contestant Gareth said: “I think, unfortunately, to the heteronormative audience there is still a view that homosexuality… it’s all just promiscuous and sinful, and that has stopped it from happening until now.”
Another housemate Subomi, said: “It has taken people a long time to feel comfortable with the concept. Their discomfort shouldn’t be a punishment we have had to bear, but that is how it’s been.”
Subomi added: “It’s important to remember what brought public perception to its current state - and this is down to all the trans and queer people, who continue to advocate for visibility and resist the discomfort of those trying to push us back into the dark.”
When is the show starting?
The first two episodes of I Kissed a Boy arrive on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Saturday 13 May, before the series launches on BBC Three on Sunday 14 May at 9pm.
After that, the series will air weekly.
How can I watch the show?
The show will arrive on BBC iPlayer before launching on BBC Three.
