Kellie Maloney’s appearance on First Dates was axed as her date didn’t like that she is trans
Boxing promoter Kellie Maloney has had her appearance on a celebrity episode of First Dates axed, because the man she was matched with was “uncomfortable” that she is trans.
Maloney had been set to appear on the celebrity edition of Channel 4’s hit series First Dates.
Maître d’ Fred Sirieix will return with First Dates later this year for celebrity specials
But producers pulled her date from the show as it emerged that the man “felt uncomfortable” with her trans status.
Speaking to the Mirror, a source close to Kellie said: “The man seemed very taken aback during the date and it was clear he wasn’t very happy afterwards.”
Channel 4 has responded to the situation, confirming that the man was “open to being paired with a transgender person”.
A Channel 4 spokesman said: “Kellie’s date told the production team he was open to being paired with a transgender person, however after the date ended he felt uncomfortable about appearing on the celebrity episode.
“Duty of care to all contributors is of paramount importance to the First Dates team and after due consideration of the concerns he had raised, the decision was made not to include this date.”
Four celebrity specials of the BAFTA winning programme will air later this year.
The former UKIP candidate and boxing promoter came out as transgender in 2014 – and has publicly spoken about her transition, as well as appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.
Kellie in 2015 discussed her dream date, saying: “I find Tom Selleck attractive. If I had to choose a man he would be my ideal. He’s very handsome.”
The 63-year-old in August stated she is a “heterosexual women” after completing gender reassignment surgery earlier in 2015 – confirming her sexual orientation for the first time.
Maloney last year said she thinks Tyson Fury’s career will suffer because of comments he made about gays and women.
In July, the former UKIP member also hit out at former leader Nigel Farage, claiming he mocked her when she announced she was transgender.
