Raven star hints at CBBC show comeback – 14 years after it last appeared on TV
Fans of Balamory were delighted by the news a reboot is in the works earlier this week.
Now the return of another BBC Children's show has been teased by its biggest star. Cbeebies' pre-school programme Balamory originally ran from 2002 to 2005, but two new series have been commissioned by the Beeb. The announcement of its comeback prompted Raven star James Mackenzie to take to social media to hint at its own return - some 14 years after he last appeared in the title role.
The 45-year old took to X in a post that left past-viewers calling on CBBC to give the adventure game show the go-ahead. He playfully prompted his 12,000 followers: "Since Balamory has just got a recommission after 20yrs, who's up for pushing @BBCScotland @bbcpress for a Raven comeback?!"
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James added: "3rd times a charm! The feathers still fit in case you're wondering! #letthechallengebegin." Raven saw Mackenzie guide a band of six 'warriors', leading them through daring challenges over the course of five days. As the trials unfolded, competitors were gradually eliminated until only two remained, vying to win the title of Ultimate Warrior.
Each contestant started with several 'lives', symbolised by feathers, which they could lose throughout their quest. Adding to the show's lore, James's character, Raven, is portrayed as an ageless warlord with mystical shape-shifting abilities morphing between human and raven forms.
Fans who grew up with Raven in the 2000s are now adults, yet their enthusiasm for the show hasn't waned. One fan responded to Jamie: "I've said it once, and I'll say it again bring it back for the age range who grew up with it. Have it air on @bbcthree and let people in there 20s/30s have a go. Always wanted to be a warrior myself come on BBC this is such a good opportunity."
Another echoed the sentiment: "I really would love to see Raven recommissioned for another series and if possible, it be for adults," they shared. "This was my favourite TV show of my childhood and I would love to experience it."
A third individual reminisced: "My son absolutely loved this series. It's timeless. It was fun, challenging and exciting. I once had to make a staff, like yours, from a broom and gaffer tape so that me and my kids could play Raven in the garden! Let the challenge begin again."
Meanwhile, a fourth X user praised Jamie's enduring passion for the show over two decades, commenting: "Love how over 20 years later, you're still just as passionate about the show as you were hosting it. Absolute legend!" TV star Rylan Clark also showed his support, simply stating to Jamie: "Yes."
Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning 0-6 for BBC Children's and Education, announced the return of Balamory earlier this week, promising "a whole new generation will discover and enjoy Balamory as we bring families together with this new update for CBeebies".
"It will be a real treat for parents who grew up with the show to now introduce their little ones to the brightly coloured world getting to know a host of old and new characters together," she said. The revamped show is set to include two series, each comprising 10 episodes that are 14 minutes long.