The UK’s first-ever gay reality dating show, I Kissed a Boy, will debut on BBC on Saturday, May 13, and the trailer has gotten us super stoked! We are fully prepared to invest in all these potential love matches and follow all the inevitable drama that ensues.

The matchmaking show will begin with 10 single men being paired up upon meeting for the first time. Each couple will test their initial chemistry with a single kiss and then decide if they want to move forward as a couple or pursue other potential matches.

The contestants will spend the whole summer together in an Italian villa in a Love Island-style scenario where they are all free to date each other.

I’m ready for the UK’s first ever gay dating show #IKissedABoy 💋 Are you? It all starts with a kiss 14 May on @bbcthree & @BBCiPlayer pic.twitter.com/XqjK6bVENl

— Dannii Minogue (@DanniiMinogue) May 3, 2023

In a refreshing contrast to many other reality shows, critics have praised the creators of I Kissed A Boy for selecting contestants who are genuinely kind. The cast includes men with various career backgrounds, including a stylist, model and athlete, one with a passion for gardening, and another who has never kissed a boy prior to joining the show.

One contestant, Gareth, praised the series for the respect he felt on set, sharing, “The welfare was really good. If we needed a break, we could always have a chat away from the camera.”

While I Kissed A Boy seems to distance itself from some traditional reality television elements, creators said viewers should still be prepared for unexpected twists and all the explosive drama and cliffhangers you’d get from any other reality dating show. To put the cherry on top of the cake, it will also feature a soundtrack full of gay anthems.

Episodes 1 and 2 of I Kissed A Boy will be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am on Saturday, May 13, with the rest of the series dropping on BBC Three on Sunday, May 14.

Pop icon and LGBTQ+ ally Dannii Minogue will host the show. When asked what made her want to take on the role, she said, “…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.”

It’s hard to believe that the UK’s first-ever gay reality dating show is only premiering now in 2023, and with a tagline of, “the path to love is never straight. It’s loud, it’s proud…and it all starts with a kiss,” we couldn’t be more ready for it!