Season 2 of ‘I Kissed a Boy’ to feature trans contestant

The upcoming season of ‘I Kissed a Boy’ is set to break new ground, further expanding its inclusivity.

In 2023, UK reality TV audiences were introduced to the country’s first-ever same-sex dating show, which gained widespread praise for its diverse and inclusive cast, its portrayal of queer male culture, and its pop-driven soundtrack.

Following its success, the 2024 spin-off, ‘I Kissed a Girl,’ also received universal acclaim for its casting and representation of sapphic culture.

While the initial season of ‘I Kissed a Boy’ was pioneering, the forthcoming second season promises to be even more inclusive and representative of the LGBTQ+ community.

On April 30, BBC Three revealed the 11 new “hotties” heading to the iconic Masseria, including Lars, the franchise’s first trans contestant, according to ‘Gay Times’.

Lars, a 23-year-old from Wolverhampton, works as a hotel receptionist, is passionate about football, and describes himself as a “self-confessed cheeky chappy.”

His casting bio states that he joined the series to challenge himself to engage with people face-to-face without the distractions of phones.

A hopeless romantic, Lars includes “maturity that belies his years,” owing to his transition. “I’ve lived 16 years of my life as a girl. It aged me, but positively,” he shared with the BBC.

Armed with wisdom from his first love and heartbreak, Lars is eager to leave singlehood behind, exclaiming, “The missing piece of the puzzle is a man!”

Lars also reflected on his role as the franchise's first trans cast member and the significance of genuine LGBTQ+ representation.

“I Kissed a Boy is not just a fun reality TV series we all enjoy – it’s a celebration of queer love in every form. I am truly proud to be the first trans person on the show,” he expressed.

“Growing up, stories like mine were absent from the screen, so being part of something that embraces and normalizes LGBTQ+ relationships is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s messy, joyful, real, and exactly the representation we need.”

Following the format of the first season, contestants will be paired up and share a kiss upon meeting.

Throughout the series, participants will choose whether to stay with their current partners in dramatic “kiss-offs” or explore new connections, including the appearance of incoming contestants.

Australian pop icon and steadfast LGBTQ+ ally Dannii Minogue returns as Cupid, with Laurence Olivier Award-winning actor Layton Williams reprising his narrator role.

The first two episodes of 'I Kissed a Boy’ season two are set to air on May 11 (Sunday) and May 12 (Monday) at 9:00 pm on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer.

For more details on the entire cast, click here!