Dannii Minogue Opens Up About Battling Spider Bites While Filming ‘I Kissed a Boy’
Television presenter and pop singer Dannii Minogue has revealed her recent struggles with painful spider bites, which left her feeling both ‘self-conscious’ and ‘embarrassed’ during the production of the BBC Three dating show ‘I Kissed a Boy.’ The star, well known for her work in both the music and television industries, faced significant discomfort whilst filming in the picturesque region of Puglia, Italy.
The 53-year-old Australian was already dealing with lingering bites from a white-tailed spider, sustained back in her home country, when she began filming for the much-anticipated second series of the same-sex dating show. Unfortunately, more problems followed when she received an additional five bites during her time in Italy, making an already unpleasant experience even worse.
Minogue spoke candidly about her ordeal, recounting how the inflammation from the bites required her to wrap her legs in bandages. “I was embarrassed the first time I walked over the steps … because I had bandages on my legs,” she explained. The visible bandages and the resulting discomfort left Minogue “feeling so self-conscious,” a sentiment that persisted throughout filming as she struggled to soothe her swollen legs with ice packs and painkillers in her room.
The production schedule left her with few options for hiding the bandages. “They were very sore … I had no way of covering them,” she revealed, highlighting the challenge of maintaining her usual poise and professionalism against the backdrop of physical pain.
Despite these difficulties, Minogue remained committed to her role as the host of the show. Now in its second series, ‘I Kissed a Boy’ breaks ground as the UK’s first-ever gay dating programme. The show’s format sends ten single male contestants on a quest for love, pairing them initially with a kiss before giving them time to connect in the idyllic Italian countryside.
Among this year’s contestants are professionals from various backgrounds, such as marketing and brand management, healthcare, finance, and the arts. The Masseria country house setting provides an inviting backdrop for the participants’ romantic journeys, an aspect Minogue believes is a key ingredient in the show’s joyful and celebratory ethos.
Speaking about the nature of the programme, Minogue expressed her pride in being involved in something so uplifting. “The most important thing about this show is that it is joyful, and it’s a celebration,” she asserted. She further emphasised the authenticity of the show, pointing out that there is “no scripting” and “no drama,” instead highlighting the bravery and openness displayed by the contestants as they search for love.
Her commitment to creating a positive atmosphere on set is evident, even in the face of personal discomfort. “I love how they all went at their own pace, but made the absolute most out of three sun-filled weeks in the stunning surrounds of Puglia in Italy,” she continued. For Minogue, the experience on the show goes beyond her own difficulties, centring instead on the stories and relationships forming between the contestants.
Fans eagerly anticipating the show’s return can tune in to BBC Three and iPlayer, as the second season of ‘I Kissed a Boy’ is set to premiere this Sunday at 9pm. With Minogue at the helm, the series looks set to deliver the same heartfelt moments and celebration of love that have made it a standout success.
Minogue’s openness about her health struggles during production serves as a reminder of the very real challenges TV personalities sometimes face behind the scenes. Nonetheless, her professionalism and evident passion for the programme have shone through, helping cement ‘I Kissed a Boy’ as both groundbreaking and genuinely joyful television entertainment.