A new podcast from ITV Studios’ recently launched global brand partnership division, Studio 55, is set to debut later this month, marking the first project to emerge from the unit.
It Started With A Kiss, a weekly podcast produced by Twofour, will launch on April 28 in partnership with Tinder. The 10-part series is positioned as an exploration of modern dating experiences, with a focus on LGBTQ+ stories.
The podcast builds on the success of Twofour’s dating formats I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl, and will be hosted by Amy Spalding and Gareth Valentino, who previously appeared on the respective shows.
The series will feature weekly guest interviews, launching with a double episode featuring TV personality Christine McGuinness and footballer Joshua Cavallo. Additional contributors across the run include Cat Burns, Rosie Jones, Tia Kofi and Nathan Henry.
Nina Clement, executive producer on the podcast, said the project aims to deliver “honest and intimate conversation” around queer dating, combining humour and candid storytelling.
Will Scougal, EVP of brand and commercial partnerships at ITV Studios, said: “It Started With A Kiss is exactly the kind of project Studio 55 was built to create. It brings together a brilliant piece of IP, standout talent and a partner like Tinder in a way that activates the fans and connects to the audience. This isn’t about traditional sponsorship – it’s about building format partnerships where brands are part of the story from day one. With Twofour, Amy and Gareth, we’ve created something that feels culturally relevant, platform-first and rooted in real fan conversation around modern dating.”
Studio 55 was unveiled during the London TV Screenings in February as a global brand partnership studio, offering advertisers and creators access to ITV Studios’ IP catalogue. Its remit spans licensing, co-created formats and digital-first content aimed at building fan engagement.
