The BBC has unveiled the full line-up of contestants for the UK’s first ever gay dating show, with 10 single guys set to take part.
The ground-breaking new series will premiere next month, hosted by pop icon Dannii Minogue.
In the show, the contestants will be matched up and will kiss at first meeting, with no small talk or messages exchanged.
The plan is that that one kiss will test their physical chemistry straight away.
The BBC has promised a series packed with ‘explosive drama, gripping cliffhangers and powerful untold stories’.
I Kissed A Boy will celebrate the queer community and invites all viewers to join the party.
Here are the 10 contestants taking part in BBC’s I Kissed A Boy
Ross, 27, Manchester
Ross works as a support worker for adults with learning difficulties, and has a passion for travelling and interior design. He’s also previously trained in tap dance and has practised cheerleading too.
Ross has recently come out of a five year relationship, and says he ‘loves love’ and is a ‘great kisser’.
“I am so proud to have been a part of I Kissed a Boy,” he said. “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.”
Ben, 28, Edinburgh
Ben describes himself as being a cross between ‘the goofiness of Goofy and the grumpiness of Shrek’, and has been single for six months.
This engineering graduate says he didn’t meet many gay people at university and is now enjoying exploring London’s scene.
He says: “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!”
Bobski, 23, Essex
Bobski was born in Poland but moved to the UK when he was seven, going to school in Essex – he jokes that he’s ended up with a thick Essex accent.
He played semi-professional tennis as a teenager and travelled the world playing in competitions, but pulled back from the sport to focus on his education.
He says he enjoys party holidays in Mykonos and Ibiza. His biggest red flag is bad teeth and bad breath.
Bobski said: “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.”
Gareth, 28, Kilkeel, Northern Ireland
Gareth said: “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.”
This stylist lives in East London and is obsessed with fashion, after growing up in a small town in Northern Ireland where family life revolved around religion and traditional roles.
He came out when he was 24 and moved to London, where his life completely changed and he dived into the gay scene.
When it comes to dating, he says he’s sick of toxic mindsets and wants to meet someone with a free spirit, confidence and queer energy.
Jake, 27, Swansea
Jake works as a regional trainer within the hospitality industry for a pub group, saying he’s a real grafter looking for a fellow ambitious partner.
He loves gardening and the great outdoors, especially kayaking and paddle boarding, and his dream date would by the side of a fire pit with a glass of red wine.
He says of I Kissed A Boy: “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”
Joseph, 23, London
Joseph said of his time on the BBC dating show: “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.”
He’s another Londoner and currently studying performing arts, with a dream to become an actor and travel the world.
Joseph is one of 10 siblings but likes to stay away from drama, preferring to keep a chilled outlook on the world. He’s looking for someone really caring, with great teeth and a great sense of fashion.
Josh, 24, Rhyl, North Wales
Josh says he’s a late bloomer – he grew up in a Mormon family so it took a long time for him to come to terms with being gay.
He says it’s a nightmare meeting men in his beachside hometown of Rhyl, which has ‘zero gay scene whatsoever’.
This Rihanna super fan is attracted to sporty guys with confident energy and says he thinks his first kiss will ‘probably be rubbish’.
He said: “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.”
Kailum, 25, Brighton
Kailum’s family moved to Brighton from Yorkshire when he was 11, and he says the seaside city 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 trying to pluck up the courage to debut his own drag character and loves going to music festivals.
Kailum has been single for six years now and it’s taken him a while to fully get over previous relationships.
This self-professed ‘furry cuddly bear’ said: “You can expect plenty of snogging, real connections, drama, sassiness but most importantly some real, hard hitting stories.”
Ollie, 27, Brighton
Tarmacer Ollie from Brighton describes himself as a ‘gay man in a straight world’, and is loud and proud about his sexuality.
He loves Brighton life and is big into car racing, singing Whitney in gay bars, and running his own gin and cocktail van.
Ollie says he’s never been in love and has felt judged for his ‘bigger body shape’.
He said: “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.”
Subomi, 29, London
Subomi describes himself as an ‘athlete, software developer, model and performer’, who lives in West London with his siblings.
He said: “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.”
He lived in Nigeria between the ages of six and 16, where homosexuality is illegal, and where he learnt to surpress his identity.
But since coming out, Subomi has found his self-confidence and has learnt to acknowledge all sides of his upbringing and the two cultures that formed him.
I Kissed A Boy launches on Sunday 14 May at 9pm on BBC Three.
Featured image: BBC
TV & Showbiz
Diana Ross at Co-op Live, Manchester – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Thomas Melia
It’s true, the Queen of Motown Records, Diana Ross, is coming to Manchester, and she’s bringing The Hallé Orchestra with her too.
Diana Ross and her band are making their way to Manchester for a night of glitz and glam, but they’re also making room for the much-loved Manc-based music collective
You can expect this Pop and disco diva to perform lots of other timeless classics such as ‘I’m Coming Out’, ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, ‘Chain Reaction’, she really is ‘The Boss’.
Diana Ross gig guide – everything you need to know
Diana Ross, her band and The Hallé Orchestra are coming to Co-op Live Manchester on 26 June.Credit: Crisco 1492 (via Wikimedia Commons)
This living legend is a bucket list gig for many, but we’re sure if you’re fast enough, you’ll be able to secure a ticket for yourself and your ‘Baby Love’.
Diana Rosshas racked up 58 top 10 hits and we’re sure she’ll play a hefty amount of these at Co-op Live.Credit: DVROSS (via Flickr)
Diana Ross setlist
I’m Coming Out
More Today Than Yesterday
Baby Love
You Can’t Hurry Love
Come See About Me
Stop! In the Name of Love
Touch Me in the Morning
I’m Still Waiting
Chain Reaction
He Lives in You
Good Morning Heartache
Love Hangover
Ease on Down the Road
Home
The Boss
Endless Love
Reach Out and Touch
Upside Down
Tomorrow
Count on Me
Just in Case
If the World Just Danced
Why Do Fools Fall in Love
Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Amazing Grace
I Will Survive
Thank You
What are the stage times for Diana Ross in Manchester?
The supreme space that is Co-op Live has a strict curfew of 11pm, so you’ll be able to dance your socks off without having to ‘Stop! In the Name of Love’, while still making it back to bed before the early hours.
Anyone attending can expect the doors to open at 6:30pm with a kick-off time of 7:30pm and no official announcement regarding a support act.
For those of you heading to Co-op Live, you’ll be glad to know it’s right next door to a rather famous big blue stadium and its integrated Metrolink stop.
Head along the light blue or orange lines directly to the Etihad Campus or Ashton-under-Lyne, and you can get off the tram literally spitting distance from the arena. You can find the full map HERE.
Trams run frequently on the Ashton-Eccles line to the Etihad stop, with services leaving every six minutes from the city centre, and until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.
Bus
You can find the full list of bus routes HERE, with the one in closest proximity to the venue being the 53 bus, which runs from Cheetham Hill through to Higher Crumpsall, Old Trafford and Pendleton, leaving just a two-minute walk to Co-op Live. You also get free Bee Network travel with any valid event ticket.
Getting there by car and parking
If you’re driving, there is limited parking available at the venue, but this must be pre-booked ahead of time, and there are designated drop-off areas.
The postcode is M11 3DU, and you can follow the signs towards the wider Etihad Campus as you get closer; directions to the adjacent drop-off points will also be signposted.
Keep in mind that congestion on the roads close to the stadium is expected to gather around two hours prior to any event, so if you are travelling on the road, these are the suggested times they provide come event day, though estimates will obviously vary:
Alan Turing Way (both directions): plan an additional 20 minutes into any journey by road.
Hyde Road (eastbound): expect an additional 15 minutes to be added to your journey.
Mancunian Way (westbound): plan for an extra 10 minutes of travel time.
There are also three park-and-ride facilities near Co-op Live, but be advised that the Velopark and Holt Town stops will be closed post-event to help safely manage crowds:
Ashton West (Ashton line) – 184 spaces and 11 disabled spaces
Ladywell (Ashton-Eccles line) – 332 spaces and 22 disabled spaces
Walk/cycle
Lastly, Co-op Live is only a half-hour stroll from Manchester Piccadilly, and you could even walk along the canal all the way to the front door if you fancy taking the scenic route.
Greater Manchester now also offers the option to hire bikes on the Beryl app, with riders able to locate, unlock, get to their destination and then safely lock up the bike all through an easy-to-use app. There are hire points just near the south-west corner of the Etihad Stadium on Ashton New Road.
For more information on all travel options, you can check out the enhanced journey planner.
This will be Diana’s first time performing at Co-op Live in Manchester.Credit: Crisco 1492 (via WikiCommons)
Featured Images — Publicity Picture (supplied)/Wikimedia Commons/Flickr
TV & Showbiz
Channel 4 to air exclusive new documentary about the disappearance and death of Lancashire teen Jay Slater
Emily Sergeant
An exclusive new documentary taking an inside look at the the disappearance of Jay Slater is coming to Channel 4.
On the morning of 17 June 2024, 19-year-old Jay Slater – an apprentice bricklayer from the Lancashire town of Oswaldtwistle – disappeared on the island of Tenerife in Spain, after attempting to walk 14 hours back to his accommodation when there was no local taxi service available and no bus due for 90 minutes.
From then commenced one of the biggest missing persons cases in recent British history.
As the world’s media were following the story minute by minute last summer, producers at Channel 4 were in the incredibly-unique position where they had access to the Coronial process in Lancashire, and this has led to the exclusive documentary title The Disappearance of Jay Slater.
From Jay’s post-mortem to Jay’s inquest, the team have been with the family every step of the way over the last year, as they try and understand exactly what happened to Jay outside of the public gaze
Jay was ultimately pronounced dead on 15 July 2024 after Spanish police reported the discovery of a body in the vicinity of the area of interest, but before this discovery and eventual announcement, the internet became awash with public discourse, conspiracy theories, and more.
The Disappearance of Jay Slater is described as being ‘the family’s story’.
Channel 4 will air an exclusive new documentary about the disappearance and death of Lancashire teen Jay Slater / Credit: GoFundMe
The documentary is set to follow them as they search for answers about what happened to Jay, witnessing the conspiracy theories raging online and the subsequent horrific abuse they received as a family – which is an hourly onslaught that continues to this day.
These cameras were the only media in the world granted full access to film both Jay’s post-mortem and inside the church at his funeral.
But the broadcaster claims this documentary is not only the story of Jay’s tragedy, it’s also the story of ‘the new world we live in’ where so-called true crime armchair detectives run wild.
“The story of Jay Slater captured the nation last summer with a fervour and intensity fuelled by armchair detectives and internet culture,” commented Channel 4’s Commissioning Editor, Rita Daniels, ahead of the documentary airing.
“We are so glad to be working on a sensitively handled exploration of the family’s experience, and understanding the impact of being in the middle of a social media storm, amplified by grief.
“The film holds a light up to our current society and is exactly the story that is a necessity for Channel 4 to tell.”
Executive Producer Anna Hall added: “It is appalling what has happened to Jay’s family, and we hope this film will help to bring awareness of the real life consequences of online speculation. It is an unmonitored world where fake news runs rife, and this film shows the devastating impact this has had on one grieving family.”
The Disappearance of Jay Slater is expected to air on Channel 4 later this year, but no official dates have been confirmed as of yet, so keep your eyes peeled.
Daisy Jackson -
27th April 2023 
