BBC Announce Stars of New Gay Dating Show
April 26, 2023The ten contestants starring in the United Kingdom’s first ever gay dating show, I Kissed A Boy, have been revealed. The single participants will all enter into an Italian masseria with the intention of leaving with a romantic partner.
With singer and actress Dannii Minogue as the matchmaker, the series will open with a kissing-based episode and promises lots of “dating drama”, debuting on BBC Three in mid-May.
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Gay Times have provided the list of ten men looking for love later this Spring, along with short descriptions detailing who they are and what they're looking to get out of this experience.
Ben (28, London)
“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. He didn’t meet many gay people on his course and because of that he says he didn’t get much of a chance to explore gay culture during his university years.
“Since moving to London Ben is much happier as he’s been able to make more gay friends and enjoy nights out on the scene. Ben is a confident guy but admits that he’s not great at receiving compliments. He’s a bit of an old school romantic when it comes to dinners out and flowers. ‘People never think that about me but it’s true.’”
Bobski (23, Essex)
“Born in Poland, 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!”
“Bobski enjoys party holidays in Mykonos and Ibiza with the lads. He once went to Ibiza four times in one summer. Bobski has been single for a few years now and is genuinely looking to find his Prince Charming. His type is sporty, confident and ideally someone who likes tennis.”
Gareth (28, London)
“Gareth lives in East London working as a stylist. He adores all things fashion, everything from vintage runway couture to the latest club looks. He loves to get creative and plan extravagant party outfits.
“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.”
Jake (27, Swansea)
“Jake lives in Swansea and works as a regional trainer within the hospitality industry for a pub group. He 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.
“Jake is looking for a life partner who has a shared passion for nature. He is open to all types of guys and is usually attracted to facial hair. He would like ‘two children, two dogs and maybe a chicken, too’.”
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
“He says he tries to keep a chilled outlook on the world and tries to stay away from drama. Despite being a hopeless romantic, Joseph has never been in love and would love to find that connection. He’s looking for someone really caring, with great teeth and a great sense of fashion.”
Josh (24, South 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.
“He’s really keen to meet more gay guys around his age and learn more about gay culture. Josh jokes that his first ever kiss will ‘probably be rubbish’ but he’s got to start somewhere so says ‘bring it on!’”
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.
“Kailum uses dating apps but finds it difficult to find people who are looking for something more than just a one-night stand. Kailum is really romantic and tactile. He describes himself as a ‘furry cuddly bear’.”
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.
“Ollie has had a couple of relationships in the past but admits that he’s never actually been in love. Ollie has felt quite judged in the past on the gay dating scene, especially when he was a bigger body shape. He has grown tired of the detached way guys meet through the apps and is looking forward to connecting with guys in person at the Masseria.”
Ross (28, 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 socialize with friends and has a passion for travelling and interior design. In the past Ross has trained in tap dance and has practiced cheerleading too.
“Ross says he’s a passionate person with a lot of love to give saying, ‘I love love’. He is looking for someone who is warm, caring but also cheeky. Heading into the experience Ross is really excited and backs himself when it comes to the first kiss saying, ‘I’m a great kisser!’
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.
“Subomi has enjoyed a lot of success in athletics, particularly winning lots of medals at The Gay Games. He can run the 100m in 10.62 and is an avid tumbler. Subomi has been single for three years. Since feeling ready to date again he finds that a lot of guys don’t match his energy or that they’re not really looking for something committed.”
Tune in and watch the debut episode of I Kissed A Boy on 14 May, only available on BBC Three and iPlayer.
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