'It broke boundaries': LGBTQ+ dating show shelved amid funding challenges
The ground-breaking queer dating shows I Kissed a Boy and I Kissed a Girl will not return after the upcoming season
Former contestants on the BBC's flagship queer dating show have been describing how they're "devastated" and "let down" after hearing it's being shelved over funding challenges.
I Kissed A Boy made history as the UK's first gay dating show when it aired back in 2023, before a spin-off called I Kissed A Girl followed.
The decision, revealed earlier this week, marks the end of the series which caters to the LGBTQ+ community - with many who took part acknowledging its 'lasting impact'.
'Forever grateful'
Mikey Connor, who appeared on the first run, said how he was 'forever grateful' to have been a part of it.
He commented on Instagram: "This is so crazy. But I’m so happy to have been a part of this ground-breaking show and learned so much about the community.
"It was a show that needed to happen.
"Everyone should be proud who has been involved from the BBC, Casting, Producers all us cast in both seasons and everyone who supported it."
'Devastated but not surprised'
S1 I Kissed A Girl contestant Amy Spalding added how she's 'devastated but not surprised'.
In a video on Instagram, she said: "A tale as old as time - except this time, I thought it was going to be different.
"I first-hand saw how that positive representation of queer people on our screens affected the community and how much good it did.
"There were thousands and thousands of comments, DMs, videos, and articles made about how this show impacted people so positively.
"There was so much good that came from the show - and representation matters.
"You can't be what you can't see."
'You would find someone you'd resonate with'
Jordan Burrow, from Cumbria, but now lives in Manchester, appeared on the second season of I Kissed A Boy - and has been telling Hits Radio Pride how the show coming to an end is a 'massive step back for the queer community.'
He said: "There's no other show like it.
"All aspects of the community were represented, and that's what made it so special.
"As a young queer person watching I Kissed A Boy, you'd find someone you resonate with on there - either someone who looks like you, or who's from a different walk of life like you.
"I come from a farming community, and I've had multiple people message me, saying they saw things I said and did were like a light at the end of the tunnel.
"Now, I feel like that light has gone for a lot of people.
"It's very sad that the queer show has been shelved, but what's important to remember is what the show did.
"It broke boundaries, and we worked hard to get to that point.
"The queer community is very resilient, and we will come back stronger than ever, but what we need to do now is keep showing up.
"It's just a very devastating loss, and I feel quite let down.
"As a community, it's two steps back - but just remember, we can still kiss boys, or we can still kiss girls and we can still represent.
"It's just a stumbling block in the road - we just need to keep going."
No plans on the show returning
The BBC have expressed pride in producing the shows, extending gratitude to host Dannii Minogue and the production team.
A BBC Spokesperson told Hits Radio Pride: “We are exceptionally proud of I Kissed A Boy/Girl, the UK’s first dating show for the LGBTQ+ community, and we would like to thank our fabulous cupid Dannii Minogue and the entire team at Twofour for bringing the series to screen.
"Unfortunately, we have to make difficult choices in light of our funding challenges and there are no current plans for the show to return.”
Statement from Dannii Minogue: "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. I’m so proud that this show has given us the chance to celebrate so many people from the LGBTQ+ community who have made up our wonderful cast.
"I can’t wait for you to see the brand new series of I Kissed A Girl, bringing all the excitement and joy that this show represents.
"The integrity and intention of why I Kissed A… was created, along with the love and care from the crew and production over the four seasons, has made it the most special experience for me in almost 40 years of television."