Stella’s quest to be telly warrior
To star in CBBC favourite Raven
Adventurous youngster Stella Jamieson is enjoying a spot of TV stardom this week.
The 10-year-old Riverside Primary pupil beat more than 2000 youngsters from across the UK to appear in the revival of CBBC programme Raven, filmed in the Cairngorms.
She was one of 32 contestants chosen for the fantasy adventure gameshow, being screened every day at 3.50pm until a grand tournament final on December 22.
For the moment Stella, from Causewayhead, is keeping any spoilers about how she did to herself – other than to confirm she will definitely be on screen this week.
Dad Iain said: “After applying Stella had to go through to the BBC in Glasgow and was then selected. She went on to film for a week in the Highlands.
“The show consists of outdoor challenges against other kids and I believe she was one of the youngest to be chosen. ”
More than 2500 children from all over the UK applied to be on the show with 500 then chosen for audition in London, Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham and Glasgow.
From there, the numbers were whittled down again to select the final 32 contestants.
Cameramen captured daring aerial shots with a drone and had an additional 13 GoPro action cams positioned around the games ground.
Ravenisms’ – quotes associated with the show – are popular with fans and include gems such as “No matter how big your dreams may be, or how high your hopes, it is courage that makes them a reality”.
River City actress Aisha Toussaint has taken over the mantle of Raven from original star James Mackenzie. She calls on a band of brave contenders to test their courage, strength and agility in a bid to become her “one true warrior” and fight her nemesis, the evil sorcerer Nevar.
The original Raven show, which won several BAFTAs and inspired three spin-off programmes, gathered a massive cult following when it was aired between 2002-2010.
Executive Producer Sara Harkins said: “It’s been seven years since Raven was last on CBBC but its appeal has never waned - it has always inspired a passionate and loyal following.
“All the excitement of the original is still there. But with new and exciting challenges, innovative games and the enigmatic Aisha as the new Raven, we’re sure it will attract a whole new army of fans.”
The shows feature four heats, with four children competing in each. The children get their own warrior names and fight under the banner of a formidable beast – the Bears, the Wolves, the Wildcats and the Stags.
There will be one winner of each heat who will then go forward to the Grand Tournament. One eventual winner will be named Raven’s True Warrior.
All the excitement of the original is still there