Reggie Yates explores youth issues for MTV

Reggie Yates is to front his first documentary series for MTV UK, in which he will explore the key issues facing young people around the world.

Reggie Yates vs The World (8 x 60 minutes) will follow the award-winning documentarian as he embeds himself in extreme and unusual situations which each have topical relevance to youngsters.

Flicker Productions and Krempelwood co-production was commissioned for MTV UK by vice-president Kelly Bradshaw and Antony Rochford, director of programming. Filming began last month, and the series is set to air later this year.

It is executive produced for MTV UK by Iestyn Barker, head of development, MTV International, Flicker’s Nick Underhill and Colleen Flynn and Krempelwood’s Blair Krempel and Mark Wood. Yates will act as a consultant producer as well as hosting.

“In this series I’ll encounter challenging situations and bring new insight into just some of the areas affecting young people all over the world,” said Yates.

MTV’s Bradshaw added: “While reality TV remains a key priority for MTV, broadening out the genre mix is an important part of our programme strategy. Reggie’s authentic voice and ability to get under the skin of a variety of subject matters makes him the perfect choice to help bring a new dynamic to the schedule.”

The news follows on from the announcement earlier this year that Yates would be one of several high-profile people to front documentaries as part of the BBC’s latest arts slate.

The former Doctor Who star will present Swan Films’ TV’s Black Renaissance: Reggie Yates in Hollywood, which sees him meet the likes of True Detective’s Mahershala Ali and Master of None’s Lena Waithe, as he charts the progress of BAME-led shows in the US including Atlanta, Dear White People and Insecure.