Renowned journalist and TV show host Shahan Ramkissoon is set to host the reunion special of “The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice” season one.
The reunion will air on Friday, October 25, on Showmax.
Since airing in August, the Durban iteration of the Saftas-nominated original show, “The Mommy Club”, proved to be a huge success among viewers.
Produced by POP24, the first-of-its-kind reality show delved into the lives of glamorous mothers from Durban’s Indian community, showcasing their seemingly perfect lives.
With each episode, viewers were invited to witness the daily happenings in the lives of these women as they shifted between the roles of business leaders, caregivers and mentors.
Through laughter and challenges, the show reveals the casts vulnerabilities, showcasing the emotional landscape of motherhood, where joy is often marred by self-doubt and societal pressures.
The cast included Abigail Nepaul, Asharia Parsad, Christina Devraj, Devina Kowlas, Kim Jones, Lenore Goss-Matjie, Neetasha Singh Bugwandin and twins Losh and Resh Naidoo.
Goss-Matjie and the twins had a compelling conversation in the dramatic season finale, but with the amount of tension, it's unclear if their relationship will ever get better.
Ramkissoon, who was earlier a part of the “Roast of Minnie Dlamini” roast panel, said: “I am known for being real, and this time will be no different. I aim to ask the questions that viewers have on their minds. It's going to be unfiltered, no sugarcoating.”
Ramkissoon added that he will be getting to the bottom of their stories.
“My approach will be authentic; I'm not here to be polished or scripted. I’m here to be honest about what these women have experienced, what they’ve said, and what they’ve done on screen.
“I want to dive into their stories, analyse their interactions, and explore the fascinating dynamics, especially those that challenge traditional perceptions within the Indian community.”
Ramkissoon is an avid follower of “The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice” and is familiar with the stories that have been told.
“I’ve been invested in this show from the very beginning. I didn’t start watching just because I got the chance to host the reunion. I know what’s unfolded, the twisted truths and backstabbing, so like every viewer, I have many uncomfortable questions.
“No one’s getting a free pass, I’ll stay fair because they all have some explaining to do,” he said.
Zinzi Velelo Alake, executive producer at POP24, said they decided on Ramkissoon because of his exceptional skills as a journalist and broadcaster.
“He has interviewed some of the world’s most influential figures, and we believe this reunion requires someone with his experience. These women are powerful, and Shahan is the ideal facilitator for this conversation.”
Watch the trailer here:
∎ Viewers can binge “The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice” on Showmax and the reunion special will air on October 25.