The BBC has made the difficult decision to shelve its groundbreaking LGBTQ+ dating franchise, I Kissed, following significant funding challenges. The final series of I Kissed A Girl is scheduled to air this spring, marking the end of both the men's and women's iterations of the show. A spokesperson for the corporation confirmed there are no current plans for the programme to return.
A Pioneering Legacy in LGBTQ+ Representation
Launched in 2023, I Kissed A Boy made television history as the UK's first same-sex match-making series on a mainstream channel. Hosted by pop icon Dannii Minogue, the show featured a unique format where contestants met for the first time with an immediate kiss, bypassing conversation to gauge instant chemistry. The following year, the franchise expanded with I Kissed A Girl, focusing exclusively on lesbian and bisexual women, before returning to a male cast in 2025.
Financial Pressures Force Difficult Choice
In a statement to The Sun, a BBC spokesperson expressed pride in the series, calling it "the UK's first dating show for the LGBTQ+ community." They extended thanks to host Dannii Minogue and production company Twofour. However, they emphasised that tough decisions were necessary due to the broadcaster's funding constraints, directly leading to the show's cancellation.
The format involved ten singles living in a picturesque Italian villa, pre-matched based on partner preferences. After their initial silent kiss, contestants were encouraged to explore the potential relationship, navigating a villa where everyone was a possible match in their quest for romance.
Dannii Minogue Reflects on a Powerful Experience
Dannii Minogue, who will return to present the final series, shared her profound connection to the project. "Thank you Twofour Productions and BBC for allowing me to be a part of I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl series, it is such a powerful and important show," she said.
She highlighted the show's role in celebrating the LGBTQ+ community through its cast and expressed excitement for the upcoming final season. Minogue described the production's integrity and the crew's care over four seasons as "the most special experience for me in almost 40 years of television."
Critical Acclaim and Lasting Impact
The I Kissed brand has been widely recognised for advancing LGBTQ+ visibility on mainstream television. I Kissed A Girl stands as the UK's inaugural dating programme specifically for queer women. The franchise's accolades include winning Best Media Moment at the DIVA awards and nominations for Outstanding Reality Competition Programme at the GLAAD awards and Best Multichannel Programme at the Broadcast Awards.
This cancellation underscores the ongoing financial pressures facing public service broadcasters and the challenging choices they must make regarding programme commissioning. The departure of I Kissed leaves a notable gap in dedicated LGBTQ+ dating content on mainstream British television.
