Love Island's Amber Gill and Kem Cetinay to front new series about mental health

Love Island's Kem Cetinay and Amber Gill will front a new six-part series about mental health on ITV2. 

The network has partnered with charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to open up the conversation surrounding well-being on the show named The Full Treatment.

The series is part of ITV's drive to address mental health in the wake of three suicides linked to its flagship show Love Island.

Sophie Gradon, 32, and Mike Thalassitis, 26, both took their own lives after appearing on the reality dating programme, while host Caroline Flack, 40, died by suicide in February last year - the day after hearing she would be prosecuted for allegedly attacking her boyfriend Lewis Burton, 27. 

Former barber Kem, 25, who won the ITV2 series in 2017, and 2019 winner Amber, 23, who is a trained beauty therapist, will chat to a series of stars while giving them makeovers. 

While Kem will be cutting hair for DJ Jordan North, reality star Jamie Laing and Ibiza Weekender’s David Potts, Amber will be chatting over a mani/pedi with fellow Love Islander Montana Brown, singer Chelcee Grimes and Apocalypse Wow host Donna Preston.  

By sharing their stories and engaging in an open discussion about the things that can impact mental wellbeing, The Full Treatment aims to shine a spotlight on the struggles young people can face, with Kem, Amber and their special guests offering their tips on support and coping mechanisms.

ITV hope to be able to target its core audience of ITV2 viewers aged between 16-34-year-olds, to ensure younger people feel equipped to think about what helps them get through tough times, and make time for it.  

Simon Gunning, CEO for Campaign Against Living Miserably said 'It’s clear that things are tough for young people right now. In the past 12 months alone, the CALM website has seen an 100% increase in young people seeking support and advice on a whole range of issues - from relationships and loneliness through to anxiety and fear of failure.

'The Full Treatment aims to make it OK to talk about some of the not-so-easy parts of life - the stuff that goes on behind the camera. Through entertaining and authentic personal stories, we hope young people will discover new ways to deal with the ups and downs of whatever they’re going through, and seek support when they need it.'

Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels & Acquisitions for ITV, added: 'It’s great to be working with Kem and Amber again, using our platform and our audience to open up an important conversation about mental health and wellbeing.'

The new show is joined part of ITV's bigger drive to tackle mental health in the U.K.

Last month, former Love Islander Dr Alex George was appointed one of the network's mental health advisors. 

In addition to appointing mental health tzars such as Alex, ITV have been making steps to help promote better mental health among its staff. 

And when the stars of the 2021 series were revealed on Monday, Love Island bosses warned viewers to 'think before you post'.  

The ITV2 dating show is to make a long-awaited return next Monday after being cancelled last year due to coronavirus; and a social media message shared by the producers has issued a warning to fans in advance.

The series has become known to attract trolls online, and many former Islanders have slammed the show, claiming they have suffered with mental health issues after taking part on it.

A message on the programme's Instagram account read: 'You've got a text! These Islanders are all single and ready to find love. We can't wait to watch them get to know each other, date, and maybe even find the one.  

'We're so grateful they're letting us follow their journey this summer. We hope you enjoy the show, but please think before you post.'