The BBC has decided not to commission further series of the I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl franchises after their fourth run. A spokesperson cited funding challenges as the reason for pausing both programmes, while acknowledging pride in producing the UK’s first mainstream dating shows designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community. The announcement arrives even as a new instalment of I Kissed A Girl was scheduled to air in the spring, leaving fans and contributors uncertain about the format’s future.
Those involved with the shows — from the production company to the presenting team — issued statements reflecting gratitude for the opportunity and disappointment at the decision. Host Dannii Minogue, who fronted both series, described her time on the shows as a high point in her television career and emphasised the series’ role in celebrating a wide range of queer stories. Online reaction from former contestants and viewers ranged from sadness to calls for other broadcasters to adopt the format.
Origins and format of the I Kissed series
The I Kissed concept debuted as a radical departure from typical dating formats by centring same-sex matchmaking on national television. Each season convened ten single people in an idyllic Italian masseria where initial connections were determined by an immediate physical test: contestants met their prospective match for the first time with a kiss. The show’s structure replaced preliminary conversation with an instant physical chemistry test, then allowed couples to explore relationships within the house, punctuated by a ritual known as the kiss off, when pairs chose whether to remain together.
Both series rotated focus between gay men and queer women. I Kissed A Boy first aired on British television and later returned for a second series that broadened representation by including the show’s first trans contestant. I Kissed A Girl followed with its own debut season, winning industry recognition and audience attention for its celebration of queer women’s stories. Narration and hosting roles were shared among familiar faces, helping the shows reach mainstream viewers while foregrounding LGBTQ+ visibility.
Why the BBC pulled the plug
The BBC’s formal statement made clear the decision was financial rather than editorial: budget constraints have forced difficult commissioning choices across the network. A spokesperson thanked the creative team at Twofour Productions and host Dannii Minogue, saying the broadcaster was proud of delivering the first UK dating series for the queer community but that there are currently no plans to continue the franchise. The wording indicates the shows were not axed for content reasons, but rather as part of wider cost-saving measures.
Industry commentators have pointed out that niche but culturally significant programmes can be vulnerable when public broadcasters adjust spending priorities. The cancellation of these dating series arrives during a broader climate in which several queer-led programmes on different platforms have been discontinued. Advocacy groups and some performers have expressed concern that fewer commissions mean a reduced presence of authentic queer stories in mainstream schedules.
Reactions from hosts, contestants and audiences
Dannii Minogue thanked producers, crew and cast for their work and called the experience “the most special” in her television career. Former contestants, including season participants who built large followings, publicly lamented the decision and urged other channels to consider the format. On social platforms, fans described I Kissed as an essential show for representation and community visibility, with some asking commercial broadcasters to pick up the format so its momentum could continue.
Wider implications for queer representation
Observers noted the timing of the announcement against a backdrop of programme cancellations affecting queer representation more broadly. Advocacy groups have reported that a notable portion of queer characters and stories that appeared on screen in recent years may not return, raising questions about the long-term visibility of LGBTQ+ narratives on television. Prominent industry figures have urged commissioners to continue championing diverse storytelling despite fiscal pressures.
What could happen next
While the BBC has stated there are no current plans to revive the series, the future of the format is not necessarily sealed. Hosts and producers have hinted at the possibility of the format finding a new home, and fans have called for broadcasters such as commercial channels or streaming services to adopt the show. For now, a final broadcast commitment exists for the upcoming series of I Kissed A Girl, but beyond that the franchise’s continuation will depend on investment decisions elsewhere in the industry.
In the meantime, the conversation sparked by the announcement has underscored how much representation matters to viewers and participants. Whether through a return on another platform or the emergence of new formats that centre queer experiences, the debate over these cancellations has highlighted the ongoing demand for programming that reflects the diversity of contemporary relationships. The production teams, on-screen talent and audience will remain central to any revival efforts should funding or interest materialise.