Paramount-owned MTV has unveiled a new digital series called MTV Faces. The four-part show, produced exclusively for MTV Digital, explores themes of grief through the eyes of celebrity guests Brenda Edwards, Jordan Stephens, Kelsey Parker and Roman Kemp.
The ground-breaking digital series will cut straight to the core of grief presentation, creating a holding space for raw conversations, between peers who are on a level with each other’s experiences. MTV’s goal is “to normalise these sorts of conversations and the importance of processing and discussing loss and addressing mental health”.
The series will be hosted by Ashley Cain, who has also experienced personal loss. On 24 April 2021, Ashley and Safiyya Vorajee lost their eight-month-old daughter Azaylia to acute myeloid leukemia. Commenting, Cain said: “Since losing my beautiful daughter Azaylia, my world changed. The subject of grief is something we will all experience in life, yet talking about it remains taboo. So I am proud to be a part of this crucial series, exploring and navigating through the different faces of grief that we will experience. With the help of my guests, we create a safe space for open and vulnerable conversations, of the pain and struggle but also the beauty and strength in grief, whilst also tackling the stigma that surrounds mental health.”
MTV Faces will premiere on the MTV YouTube channel on March 30, with episodes being dropped weekly. Episode One features Kelsey Parker, who lost her husband Tom (from The Wanted) after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer. Since Tom’s passing, Kelsey has been raising awareness and funding for brain tumour charities, and in December 2022 was the subject of a six part documentary series – Life After Tom.
MTV Faces was created by MTV Entertainment Group’s in-house team headed by Cat Collins, VP digital, MTVEG International. Directed and executive produced by Amie Parker-Williams, the series was produced by Will Clempner Clarke with art direction by Dayna Murphy.
