‘I Kissed a Boy’ is the UK’s first-ever gay dating show, and host Dannii Minogue and voiceover artist Layton Williams are revealing all about the explosive new series.
Get ready to pucker up for the UK’s first-ever gay dating show, I Kissed a Boy. The new series, which premieres on Sunday, 14 May at 9pm on BBC Three, promises to be a wild ride, full of drama, passion, and unexpected twists.
‘I Kissed a Boy’ features ten single men who meet for the first time with just one kiss to test out their chemistry. There’s no small talk, no messaging, just a kiss to see if sparks fly. From there, the men will be matched up and set on their journey to find love.
The show has enlisted the help of pop icon and former X Factor judge Dannii Minogue to play Cupid. She will guide the contestants through the process and provide some much-needed advice.
But ‘I Kissed a Boy’ is more than just a dating show. It promises to tackle important issues such as coming out in strict religious families, body image pressures in the gay dating scene, and navigating self-acceptance, sex, and first same-sex relationships. The show aims to celebrate the queer community and invites all viewers to join the party.
The series is set to be a rollercoaster ride full of explosive drama, gripping cliff-hangers, and powerful untold stories. And with a sparkling soundtrack full of gay anthems, ‘I Kissed a Boy’ is the ground-breaking show that promises to deliver joy and entertainment to audiences.
So, who are the 10 lucky contestants looking for love?
Ben
28, Edinburgh.
Ben grew up in Edinburgh and has been living in London for the past four years. Describing his personality, Ben says he’s a cross between “the goofiness of Goofy and the grumpiness of Shrek.”
Bobski
23, Essex.
Bobski (short for Robert) was born in Poland and he moved to the UK with his mum when he was 7. Settling into school in Essex was hard at first and with knowing little English, Bobski had to learn to fit in quickly. Now he jokes that with his thick accent he’s as Essex as you can get.
Gareth
28, Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.
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.
Jake
27, Swansea.
Jake lives in Swansea and works as a regional trainer within the hospitality industry for a pub group. Jake considers himself a real grafter and is looking for someone who is equally hardworking and ambitious. Jake’s early years were spent growing up in Spain. His family moved to Wales when he was seven years old.
Joseph
23, London.
Joseph lives in South London and is currently studying performing arts. His long-term dream is to become an actor and travel the world. Joseph describes himself as a real fashionista. He loves to express himself through his clothes, especially the finishing touches – nails and jewellery.
Josh
24, Rhyl, North Wales.
Josh grew up in a Mormon family and it took a long time for him to come to terms with being gay. Because of this, at 24 Josh is a late bloomer when it comes to his experience. He’s never had a relationship and before the show, had never actually kissed a boy.
Kailum
25, Brighton.
Kailum’s family moved to Brighton from Yorkshire when he was 11. He is very close with his mum and his two sisters. Kailum says that Brighton was the best place to be growing up gay. He came out when he was 14 by posting a video on YouTube using written messages on cards. He’s really grateful that he received amazing support from school and from family at the time.
Ollie
27, Brighton.
Ollie is a road worker / tarmacer from Brighton and describes himself as a “gay man in a straight world.” Despite this, Ollie is loud and proud about his sexuality and is grateful to have fantastic relationships with his family and his workmates. Ollie loves Brighton life because it’s an open minded place where everyone can express themselves freely and be who they want to be.
Ross
27, Manchester.
Ross lives in Manchester and works as a support worker for adults with learning difficulties. He says, ‘My job has its challenges, but it is so rewarding, I absolutely love what I do’. Outside of work, Ross likes to socialise with friends and has a passion for travelling and interior design. In the past Ross has trained in tap dance and has practised cheerleading too.
Subomi
29, London.
Subomi describes himself as an “athlete, software developer, model and performer.” He lives in West London with his siblings. Subomi enjoys music, going out clubbing and looking after his many houseplants.
Host Dannii Minogue, who plays Cupid in the show, shared some insights about ‘I Kissed a Boy’ ahead of the series in an exclusive interview.
When asked about the show’s concept, Dannii said: “Ten gay guys on a holiday of a lifetime, in their search for that perfect date. It is sexy and romantic and these connections could lead them to their perfect partner.”
Dannii also talked about what sets the show apart from other dating shows. She said: “It is the first ever gay dating series in the UK! The guys are paired up with help from the IKAB Matching team.
“The first time they meet, they will kiss. Then it is time to get to know the person they kissed and why they were teamed up together. If you have ever been clubbing, spotted someone you were attracted to like a magnet, kissed, and then got to know them – this is it, but with a little help from me and the I Kissed A Boy love matching team.”
Not only is ‘I Kissed a Boy’ bringing a fresh new concept to UK television, but it also features some notable talents behind the scenes. Actor and West End star Layton Williams was the voiceover artist of the show.
When asked about his experience as a voiceover for the show, Layton shared: “It was super fun. I would watch the episode a day or so before I came into the record so I could be really be clued up. I would come in and be chatting to the producers and I’d be like, “Oh my god, like what about this? I can’t believe that happened! He was so this! He was so that!” I mean, I had my opinions but I can’t tell you those!”
I Kissed A Boy launches on Sunday 14 May at 9pm on BBC Three.