Dannii Minogue back for more I Kissed a Girl after clarifying she is straight
Last year the Aussie host quipped that she "identified as queer" but afterwards had to explain she was still dating her long-term boyfriend
Dannii Minogue caused a storm last year after quipping that she 'identifies as queer in a weird way' at the launch of I Kissed a Girl - and hinting that she was attracted to the 'hot' girls who took part. Afterwards she had to clarify on social media that she was 'not lesbian or queer' but remained straight, and was still in her long-term 'heater' relationship with musician Andrew Newman.
Now the UK's first dating series for girls who like girls is returning for a second run on BBC3, with Dannii as host once again.
She said: 'I Kissed a Girl was full of heart and groundbreaking for female representation on TV. The fans loved the fun, the passion and the drama. I can't wait for the return of the girls - let's see what the heat of the Italian sun does for kisses and connections. It is sure to get sparks flying. I am ready to be cupid once again.'
Last year Dannii, 53, fought back tears of pride as she launched the new gay dating show. She got choked up as she told the contestants: 'You girls are so brave and amazing and have brought so much to it. I could never do what you have done. I will always be in awe of what has happened and what we've created. I feel so proud. You're stepping forward, and you're the first crew of girls representing in this space, and it is big.'
The long-term LGBTQ ally was commended for getting to grips with the terms used to describe different types of gay women, such as 'femme' and 'masc', which led her to declare: 'I identify as queer in a weird way.'
In the first epiaode one of the girls described Dannii as being 'just my type' and others also indicated they were attracted to her. Asked at the launch if the feelings were reciprocated, the Aussie star laughed: 'You girls are hot. You know it. I love it. I'm here for it. Is that an answer?'
In the show, before the girls arrive at the villa, they are paired up based on what they're looking for in a partner. After meeting their match for the first time with a kiss, they're encouraged to give their new relationship a go, before potentially looking around at the rest of the group.
BBC3 controller Fiona Campbell said: 'The girls brought their A game for the first series of I Kissed A Girl, creating a social buzz and stand out moments so to bring it back for another series means audiences can expect even more iconic, memorable moments and one hot summer.' Casting is now open for the 10-part series via the BBC 's 'take part' website.
Last year the former X Factor judge said she hoped the series was watched by a broad audience, including those who are straight. 'There's a curiosity, right? Whether you are a lesbian or not. Who's going to be in the casting? Who's going to be paired with who? What are they like? Will they represent me? Do I see myself? A million questions and guess what? The straights have the same million questions.
'The best thing that can happen to this show is that everyone watches it, and everyone has questions. Everyone learns something. Everyone moves forward.'
Dannii admitted that being the glamorous host of the show wasn't too challenging. 'I don't get to do a lot," she laughed. "I think I just drop bombs - and then swan off and try not to trip over my dress.'
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