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

Josh

"I Kissed a Boy" offers 24-year old Josh a first: he has never kissed a boy. Having grown up in a Mormon family, it has been a long process for him to come out. Add to that his beachside, North Wales hometown has no gay life: "zero gay scene whatsoever," he says. Not that he doesn't get attention when he goes out, but it from girls. He loves thrillers, sci-fi films and he's a massive Rihanna fan. Josh is attracted to sporty guys with confident energy. Josh says that for him coming out has been a long time coming so he feels totally ready for "I Kissed a Boy." He's really keen to meet more gay guys around his age and learn more about gay culture. Josh jokes that his first ever kiss will 'probably be rubbish' but he's got to start somewhere so says 'bring it on!'

Kailum

When his family moved to Brighton when he was 11, 25-year old Kailum found the perfect place to grow up gay. Living there has shaped him into someone "loud and outgoing who doesn't take life too seriously" He came out at 14 via YouTube and found strong support from family and friends. He says he's a big fan of RuPaul's Drag Race , to the point where he's invented his own drag persona, though hasn't had the courage to perform on stage quite yet. He loves music festivals and is an avid game player. He's been single for six years now and it's taken him quite a while to fully get over previous relationships and now he feels ready to get back on the dating scene. Kailum uses the dating apps but finds it difficult to find people who are looking for something more than just a one night stand. He calls himself really romantic and tactile. He describes himself as a 'furry cuddly bear'."

Ollie

Also from Brighton, 27-year old Ollie works as a road surfacer/tarmacer and describes himself as a "gay man in a straight world". He, though, is completely out and proud with his supportive family and friends, and loves the gay culture of Brighton, which he describes as being very "open minded." His passion is car racing. In addition to his day job, Ollie runs his own gin and cocktail van that he takes to festivals and he has hopes to build this business in the future. With a couple of relationships under his belt, he admits never having been in love. He also feels he's been quite judged in the past on the gay dating scene, especially when he was a bigger body shape. He has grown tired of the detached way guys meet through the apps and is looking forward to connecting with guys in person. What he's looking for is a tall, dark and handsome man that can be the tonic to his gin.

Ross

Also 27-years old, Ross lives in the city of Manchester where he works as a support worker for people with learning difficulties. 'My job has its challenges, but it is so rewarding, I absolutely love what I do'. But, despite his caring nature and career, he says he can also be fiery. "It comes from being a redhead," he says. He has a passion for travelling and interior design, and in the past studied tap dancing and cheerleading. He recently ended a five-year relationship and is ready to move on. He says he tries to keep a positive energy and he looks for that same outlook when dating guys and making new friends. Ross is looking for someone who is warm, caring but also cheeky. Heading into the experience Ross is really excited and backs himself when it comes to the first kiss saying, 'I'm a great kisser!'

Subomi

At 29-years old, Subomi is the oldest of the group. He describes himself as an "athlete, software developer, model and performer" who now lives in London. Born in Britain, his family relocated to Nigeria when he was 6 and stayed there until he was 16. He enjoys music, going out clubbing and looking after his many houseplants. Subomi felt different to other boys at school but in a society where homosexuality is illegal, he quickly learnt to suppress his identity to not draw attention to himself. After coming out at 21, found his self-confidence and has learnt to acknowledge all sides of his upbringing and the two cultures that formed him. Subomi has enjoyed a lot of success in athletics, particularly winning lots of medals at The Gay Games. He can run the 100m in 10.62 and is an avid tumbler. Subomi has been single for three years. Since feeling ready to date again he finds that a lot of guys don't match his energy or that they're not really looking for something committed. He lives in West London with his siblings. Subomi enjoys music, going out clubbing and looking after his many houseplants.