2023 Rewind: Meet the Boys on BBC's 'I Kissed a Boy'

This piece is part of EDGE's 2023 Rewind series. We're reaching into our archives and sharing some of our favorite stories from the past year.

Send 10 gay men to an Italian villa and watch what happens is the premise for the upcoming dating reality series "I Kissed a Boy." "The BBC Three show stars 10 gay men looking for love in an Italian masseria – a kind of Italian farmhouse," writes the BBC website.

The show's hook has the ten pairing off in the opening episode for a kiss. Will the kiss spark romance or will each look elsewhere for romance?

"Either way, pop icon and LGBTQ+ ally Dannii Minogue will be on hand to help the boys find love and oversee a series of Kiss-Offs, where each pair will decide whether to stay in their current partnership – or save their kiss for another boy. And with every participant an option, there's sure to be plenty of dating drama." Writes the BBC.

"I Kissed a Boy" launches 14 May at 9pm on BBC Three and BBC iPlayer. With bios and promos courtesy of BBC Three, meet the (first) 10 contestants below!

According to the site and a press release, here are the ten participants:

Ben

28-year old Ben moved to London four years ago from Edinburgh. Describing his personality, Ben says he's a cross between "the goofiness of Goofy and the grumpiness of Shrek." He studied engineering, but didn't have much of a chance to explore queer culture during schooling. He describes himself as having the goofiness of Goofy with the grumpiness of Shrek". For a mate he's looking for someone who will make him laugh. ("If they can laugh me into bed, I'm in!"). But they would also need "a nice peachy bum!" He also describes himself as "hopeless with love." He had only one serious relationship that lasted a year and been single for six months. Ben is a confident guy but admits that he's not great at receiving compliments. He's a bit of an old school romantic when it comes to dinners out and flowers. "People never think that about me but it's true."

Bobski

Bobski (aka Robert) lived in Poland until he was seven, before relocating to England. Today the 23-year old says he's "as Essex as you can get!" A former semi-pro tennis player, he now works as an airline manager. He says he's on the hunt for a real Prince Charming after finding that other men don't get him. In the past, he's definitely kissed a few frogs – he jokes that the BBC Three show won't be the first time he's kissed a complete stranger. After traveling the world playing in competitions, Bobski moved away from tennis to focus on education. He now plays three times a week socially. He now works as an Airline Manager at Stanstead Airport where he manages baggage handling. He enjoys holidaying in Mykonos and Ibiza, having gone to the latter four times one summer. Single for a few years, he is on the hunt for a bf. biggest red flag is bad teeth and bad breath. His type is sporty, confident and ideally someone who likes tennis."

Gareth

Another transplant to London, 28-year old Gareth rears from Kilkeel, a small town in Northern Ireland. He headed to the capital city when he came out at 24 to pursue his passion for fashion as he shows in his crazy club looks. He lives in East London where he works as a stylist. He presently lives a vibrant social life, but says he's a little exhausted by the "toxic masculinity" he sees in the London gay scene. He's hoping to meet a fellow free spirit with confidence and queer energy."

Jake

27-year old Jake is another British transplant, having moved to Wales when he was seven. He lives and works as a regional trainer within the hospitality industry for a pub group. In his free time, Jake has a huge passion for gardening, which he picked up from a very young age. He planted a rose bush for his grandmother and an olive tree for his grandmother when they passed a few years ago. Jake loves the outdoors especially kayaking and paddle boarding. Jake says he's very romantic and that his ideal date would be by the side of a fire pit with a glass of red wine. He's looking for a dream man is someone who wants to share outdoor adventures and quiet nights cuddling up. He's tired of what he calls the "wandering penises" he sees on dating apps. And is open to all types of guys and is usually attracted to facial hair. Jake would like 'two children, two dogs and maybe a chicken, too'.

Joseph

At 23, Joseph is (along with Bobski), the youngest participants in the series. He lives in South London and is currently studying performing arts with a dream to becoming an actor and touring the world. He is also a "real fashionista" who loves the finishing touches – nails and jewelry. He rears from a family of 10 and recalls that when he was young his mum had to manage with little money, saying, 'They were difficult times but character building at the same time'. Joseph's broader family are very religious and some struggled to accept his sexuality but he's always had the support of his mum who said straight away she loves him unconditionally. What is he looking for? He says He's looking for someone really caring, with great teeth and a great sense of fashion.And despite being a hopeless romantic, Joseph has never been in love and would love to find that connection.