James Mackenzie has appealed for the 2000s hit show Raven to make a comeback following the recommissioning of Balamory.
The Scottish actor presided over the adventure game show from 2002 to 2010, taking the gruff and mysterious titular role that set challenges for young warriors.
Mackenzie, 45, was at the helm for the first 10 series and three spin-offs: Raven: The Island; Raven: The Secret Temple; and Raven: The Dragon’s Eye.
Raven went off-air for seven years before being brought back for two further series from 2017-18, with Aisha Toussaint playing the titular character.
Mackenzie posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Since Balamory has just got a recommission after 20yrs, who’s up for pushing @BBCScotland @bbcpress for a Raven comeback?! 3rd time a charm!! The feathers still fit in case you’re wondering!!”
Since Balamory has just got a recommission after 20yrs, who’s up for pushing @BBCScotland @bbcpress for a Raven comeback?! 3rd times a charm!! The feathers still fit in case you’re wondering!! #letthechallengebegin 😜 pic.twitter.com/0PRCtjMVHl
— James Mackenzie (@jarmackenzie) September 18, 2024
He added: “Let the challenge begin.” This was his catchphrase from the show at the beginning of each game in the series.
Thousands supported Mackenzie’s idea on X, including Rylan Clark who replied: “Yes.”
Amazingly, Mackenzie was only in his 20s for most of his role but commanded a wise authority over the young contestants. He was never seen without his signature beard and feather costume.
He remains best known for playing Raven but has also played a widower father in CBeebies show Molly and Mack.
Additionally, he had a small role in the 2017-18 reprise of the series, playing Raven of Old.
For the format of the latter series, the BBC said: “Warriors must win as many golden treasure rings as possible by taking on a series of challenges. The warrior with the fewest rings will be eliminated at key points in the heat and, at the end of each heat, the warrior with the most rings will win a place in the final.”
The BBC announced on Tuesday (September 17) that Balamory has been recommissioned for two further series having been off CBeebies screens since 2005.
Kate Morton, head of commissioning 0-6 for BBC Children’s and Education, said: “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 by getting to know a host of old and new characters together.”
The BBC has not confirmed whether it has any plans to resurrect Raven.
