Noughties kids TV presenter lands new role worlds away from CBBC series 20 years on from hit show
TWO decades on from heading up a hit show that 90s kids will still remember, the presenter of Raven is tackling a very different role.
James Mackenzie is best known as Raven – a cloak wearing, totem pole carrying warlord who inducted kids into the game show.
The famous CBBC programme was set in Scotland and featured six children as they attempted a series of practical challenges to win the title of Ultimate Warrior.
Presenter James guided each contestant through the tasks and would also recap what had happened on previous quests at the start of each episode.
Winners of the series would be branded a True Warrior and allowed to join Raven’s army in the fight against his enemy, evil Nevar.
Now the show host has taken on a very different role, and will be playing Abanazar in a kids’ panto about Aladdin.
His character is the Sultan’s twisted advisor, and the baddie of the show.
The performance is set to take place at Mansfield Palace Theatre this summer.
Fellow panto star Adam Moss announced the news on X, saying: “Well it’s gonna be a fun one this year the Raven has landed…Who’s coming?”
Eager fans were quick to comment, with one writing: “Silly question pal……oh yes we are!”
Another showed their support, adding: “See you there on the first evening show 7pm.”
Since leaving Raven in 2010, James has also starred in Scottish soap River City – and even filmed a scene in raunchy historical drama Outlander.
The actor told fans: “I was beaten to within an inch of my life in Outlander and left for dead after being dragged by a horse through a forest.
“And yes, I did actually have to be dragged by a horse. We filmed it in the woods near Callander in Perthshire, which was doubling for the wilds of North America.”
