A groundbreaking television show is coming to BBC Three and it's airing this Sunday, May 14. I Kissed A Boy is the UK's first exclusively gay dating show, where "the path to love is never straight. It's loud, it's proud... and it all starts with a kiss".
Presented by pop icon Dannii Minogue - who will play 'Cupid' - and narrated by Bad Education and Everybody's Talking About Jamie's Layton Williams, the programme follows ten single guys - two of whom are Welsh - who are matched and upon meeting for the first time, without even speaking beforehand, share a kiss to test their natural chemistry.
This show deems itself a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and promises - like many other reality shows centred around love (we're looking at you Love Island and Married At First Sight) - drama, passion cliffhangers and really touching stories. Set in Italy, it's a show with "so much heart and soul. It will be an education and a surprise," Dannii revealed.
Read more: BBC One Show viewers in awe over Danni Minogue's real age
Speaking about why she wanted to host the show, the Australian pop princess explained: "I have had the privilege of being involved with the LGBTQ+ community for many years. I am a staunch ally, and in return I have always been welcomed with support that always feels like a huge hug. It is an honour to host this show and flex my muscles as fairy godmother/cupid in helping these gorgeous humans in their search for love.
"When dating fatigue sets in and you are tired of swiping right, or you have not had the opportunity to meet enough potential dates - Mama Minogue is here to help."
But who are the contestants? Here's everything you need to know.
What is I Kissed A Boy about?
Explaining the premise of the show, host Dannii Minogue 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.
"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."
The programme's narrator, Layton Williams added: "I Kissed A Boy is a brand new dating show and it is the first of its kind here in the UK, which features only boys. It is hosted by the iconic Dannii Minogue and I narrate the show. It’s camp, it's fabulous and it’s got a really good heart to it. There's a lot of drama too, which we love!
"It's gay! It’s unapologetically gay and the first one of its kind in the UK so I'm really honoured and proud to be a part of it."
When is I Kissed A Boy on and how can I watch it?
I Kissed A Boy will air on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer on Sunday night, May 14, at 9pm.
While the first two episodes will be available on iPlayer from 6am on Saturday, May 13, the series will air weekly, with viewers waiting in anticipation for the next episode to drop on Sunday nights.
Meet the boys
Ben - 28, Edinburgh
"Being surrounded by such different types of gay guys, all so confident, really highlighted to me that the only person stopping you from being who you want to be, is you!”
Ben is an engineer and has lived in London for the past four years. He describes his personality as a mix between the goofiness of Goofy (from Disney) and the "grumpiness of Shrek".
Bobski - 23, Essex
“I won’t spoil the show for you but you can definitely expect lots of kissing, a cheeky twerk here and there and a little bit of Bobski magic.”
Short for Robert, Bobski was born in Poland and moved to the UK when he was seven. As a former semi-professional tennis player, his type is someone who enjoys the sport - as well as someone sporty, confident and has good teeth.
Gareth - 28, Kilkeel, Northern Ireland
"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."
As a stylist, Gareth now lives in London and adores fashion. He's hoping to meet a free spirit whose confidence and "queer energy" will match his.
Jake - 27, Swansea, South Wales
“I love the fact that every day was something different, with people from all different backgrounds. It’s been life changing and I hope it helps other people to find love and kindness in the world.”
As a trainer within the hospitality industry, Jake deems himself a grafter. Like Bobski, Jake moved the Wales at the age of seven after spending his formitive years in Spain. His passion is gardening and he wishes to find someone with whom he can share his love of nature.
Joseph - 23, London
"What an experience. I’ve learnt a lot about myself. I felt so safe in those walls. Everyone’s amazing - we all had this amazing brotherhood."
A student of the performing arts, Joseph's dream is to become an actor and travel the world. As one of ten, his upbringing was challenging - 'character building' - and with a wider family who is very religious, his sexuality struggled to be accepted. Although not by his mother, who loved him unconditionally.
Despite being a hopeless romantic, he has never been in love. But is looking for a connection with someone caring and who has a great sense of fashion and sparkling teeth.
Josh - 24, Rhyl, North Wales
"Many people have the misconception that ‘gay’ is a certain look or trait so having a show like this really helps to break down those stereotypes."
Having grown up in a Mormon faith family, Josh only recently came to terms with his sexuality. And as a result had never kissed a boy - until this show. His type is sporty and confident.
Kailum - 25, Brighton
“You can expect plenty of snogging, real connections, drama, sassiness but most importantly some real, hard hitting stories.”
Having grown up in Brighton, Kailum's sexuality was supported by his family and friends. As a fan of RuPaul's Drag Race, he is planning his own character - although he's not yet had the courage to perform on stage. Describing himself as a 'furry cuddly bear', this singleton is a tactile romantic who is fed up of dating apps.
Ollie - 27, Brighton
“I’m very proud to be part of the show, being my honest self and showing the viewers that stereotypes are a thing of the past. You can definitely expect a fun cheeky chappy lad with a sensitive side.”
Road worker and gin and cocktail van owner Ollie has never been in love - despite having a number of relationships - and, growing tired of the online app dating scene, he is ready to find a true, in person connection in Italy.
Ross - 27, Manchester
“I am so proud to have been a part of I Kissed a Boy. Yes, I went into this to find my dream man but whilst doing this I didn’t expect to leave with the friendships I’ve got.”
Ross is a support worker for adults with learning difficulties but outside of work, his passion is travelling and interior design - as well as tap dance and cheerleading.
As a lover of love, Ross is looking for someone who is warm and caring and also has a cheeky side.
Subomi - 29, London
"Dannii really gave Cupid a run for their money. She’s such a beautiful soul and you could feel the love oozing off her which was so nice to be around."
An athlete, software developer, model and performer, Subomi lives in West London but grew up in Nigeria - which he moved to when he was six until the age of 16. Although, with homosexuality being illegal there, he was never able to truly be himself. Coming out at the age of 21, Subomi found his confidence and has gone on to become extremely successful in athletics - he can run 100m in 10.62 seconds: impressive.
He is looking for someone to match his energy and who is committed.
I Kissed A Boy starts on Sunday, May 14, at 9pm on BBC Three.
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