BBC fans go wild as TV show ‘finally returns’ 15 years after finale

The BBC has re-released episodes of a game show fans have dubbed ‘the original Traitors’ (Picture: BBC)

The BBC has left viewers delighted after releasing episodes of a show fans have called ‘the original Traitors’.

Running from 2002 until 2010 on CBBC, the adventure game show Raven ran for ten seasons and three spin-offs.

It was originally hosted by James Mackenzie, who played a character called Raven, an ancient, immortal Scottish warlord who could shapeshift.

In the series he was tasked with leading six children, known as warriors, through a series of challenges over five days as two eventually made it to the final week and competed for the title of Ultimate Warrior.

Fans have called the series ‘epic’ and even recently begged for it to be rebooted.

Last month Mackenzie, 45, put a call out to the BBC for it to return, with the broadcaster now uploading 20 episodes (all of season 9) to iPlayer.

Raven was hosted by Scottish presenter James Mackenzie for 10 seasons (Picture: BBC/ Aaron Sneddon)

After noticing the development, the former host posted on X: ‘RAVEN IS BACK ON BBCIPLAYER. What the actual??!! Enjoy young warriors #letthechallengebegin.’

The update was met with excitement from many, who said it was ‘now time to revisit my childhood’.

‘I used to love watching this as a kid, glad the show (and its awesome host) are back!’ Joshua commented.

‘THIS HAS MADE MY WEEK,’ Grace declared.

‘Step aside Traitors, the OG is back,’ Aaron added.

In 2017 Raven was rebooted with Aisha Toussaint as the new Raven and host while Mackenzie reappeared as his character who was then known as ‘Raven of Old’.#

It was then rebooted in 2017 and hosted by Aisha Toussaint for another two seasons (Picture: BBC)

After two seasons that aired over two years it was cancelled.

Following the success of The Traitors, which premiered in 2022 on the BBC and is also filmed in Scotland, last month Mackenzie begged for his show to return.

‘Come on @bbcpress if there was ever a time for Raven 3.0 it’s now!! Letthechallengebegin ????#traitors @the_traitors_ @BBCiPlayer @BBCScotland,’ he posted on X.

His pleas were met with support from fans too, who said they would ‘love to see this happen’.

Raven is streaming on BBC iPlayer.

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