From River City to Raven

She’s still a popular face in the weekly drama and filmed Raven from July-September 2017 during River City’s summer break.

Born in the Seychelles, Aisha moved to Scotland when she was six. She currently lives in Glasgow.

A cult children’s television show is to return to CBBC with a new format and star.

Raven was first aired in 2002 and last shown in 2010.

The fantasy adventure children’s game show involves contestants being guided on a quest by “an immortal shape-shifting Scottish warrior”.

The revamped show, which is filming in the Cairngorms National Park between July and September, stars River City’s Aisha Toussaint.

She takes over from original Raven, James Mackenzie, who will be returning to feature during the “new quest to find an ultimate warrior”.

Toussaint, 21, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to be the new Raven.

“I was a massive fan of the original series and remember rushing home from school so I didn’t miss an episode - it was always so exciting.

“I used to dream of one day being a warrior contestant - I never for a second imagined that I’d one day be Raven. My 11-year-old self would be gobsmacked.”

“Pulling on the costume for the very first time was a very special moment.”

Did you watch the original Raven when you were a child?

I was a massive Raven fan. I was seven when it started in 2002, but I regularly started watching when I was about nine and I was hooked. I used to rush home from school with my brother Edward, who’s a year younger than me, to watch. I was 15 when it went off air in 2010 and, like most fans, was devastated!

What did your friends and family make of you landing the role?

Edward was one of the first people I told because we used to watch together. He was so excited for me. If someone had told us when we were little that one day I’d be playing Raven on TV, we’d never have believed them. Edward and the rest of my family were just so pleased for me. They knew it would be a role that would really mean something to me because I was such a big fan when I was younger.

Were you nervous about meeting original Raven James Mackenzie?

I’d already met him. He used to be a cast member on River City like me and I met him on set. When I spotted him, I thought to myself, ‘oh wow - that’s Raven!’, but because it was my first acting job, I was trying to act all cool and failed to mention that I’d been such a big fan when I was little. I think I did a good job of not freaking out, so he didn’t know that I recognised him from Raven. He’s a great actor and it was so lovely to meet him.

All this was before you landed the role, so what did James say when he heard you were to be his successor?

He messaged me to say congratulations, which was just so lovely of him. It was so kind and I was really touched by it - I couldn’t have asked for more than to have his blessing.

Did you learn a lot from James’ portrayal of Raven?

Some people have said to me, ‘how do you fill James’ shoes?’ and I totally understand that, but his shoes can’t be filled and I think it would be silly to try. I try not to think about his shoes - I want to make my own pair. But it did really help that I had the knowledge of what Raven used to be like so I’m glad I watched all the shows, it gave me a great insight into the character.

How did you feel when you put on the Raven costume for the first time?

I think my full character only came out when I put on the full costume. It definitely changes you, helps you to get properly into the role. Having my leathers on and my staff in my hand just made everything work. I felt like it also gave me a great strength, really made me ‘feel’ like Raven for the first time. It’s like my armour to really be Raven. I had to do a double-take in the mirror though when I saw myself for the first time. I still think it hasn’t sunk in sometimes.

What’s your favourite part of the costume?

I love the feathered cuff, it’s so intricate and really brings the whole look together. I also love the staff. I’ve given it a nickname, but I’m not going to reveal it. Only my warriors and I know what it’s called, it’s our little secret.

How did you want to put your own stamp on Raven?

I know the big difference is that Raven is now female and that’s very relevant today. We’ve got a female Doctor Who for the first time ever and now we’ve got a female Raven. It’s brilliant to have such positive role models for girls. Raven is not just a female role model, though - she’s a brilliant role model for all young people. She’s intelligent and strong, but also very caring and protective. The relationship between her and the warriors is sometimes that of teacher and student, but she’s also a guardian and protector who mentors the warriors and I think showing that softer side to her is really important.

good job of not freaking out, so he didn’t know that I recognised him from Raven. He’s a great actor and it was so lovely to meet him.

All this was before you landed the role, so what did James say when he heard you were to be his successor?

He messaged me to say congratulations, which was just so lovely of him. It was so kind and I was really touched by it - I couldn’t have asked for more than to have his blessing.

Did you learn a lot from James’ portrayal of Raven?

Some people have said to me, ‘how do you fill James’ shoes?’ and I totally understand that, but his shoes can’t be filled and I think it would be silly to try. I try not to think about his shoes - I want to make my own pair. But it did really help that I had the knowledge of what Raven used to be like so I’m glad I watched all the shows, it gave me a great insight into the character.

How did you feel when you put on the Raven costume for the first time?

I think my full character only came out when I put on the full costume. It definitely changes you, helps you to get properly into the role. Having my leathers on and my staff in my hand just made everything work. I felt like it also gave me a great strength, really made me ‘feel’ like Raven for the first time. It’s like my armour to really be Raven. I had to do a double-take in the mirror though when I saw myself for the first time. I still think it hasn’t sunk in sometimes.

What’s your favourite part of the costume?

I love the feathered cuff, it’s so intricate and really brings the whole look together. I also love the staff. I’ve given it a nickname, but I’m not going to reveal it. Only my warriors and I know what it’s called, it’s our little secret.

How did you want to put your own stamp on Raven?

I know the big difference is that Raven is now female and that’s very relevant today. We’ve got a female Doctor Who for the first time ever and now we’ve got a female Raven. It’s brilliant to have such positive role models for girls. Raven is not just a female role model, though - she’s a brilliant role model for all young people. She’s intelligent and strong, but also very caring and protective. The relationship between her and the warriors is sometimes that of teacher and student, but she’s also a guardian and protector who mentors the warriors and I think showing that softer side to her is really important.

The original Raven’s quotes have become the stuff of legend. What’s been your favourite piece of wisdom?

I had some brilliant quotes. My favourite is: ‘There is no one thing that makes a hero. All legends begin differently.’ How inspiring is that? We’re all heroes. I love the idea of that.

Did you have a favourite challenge on the show?

I loved Leap of Faith and I had the chance to have a go at the challenge myself. You have to climb really high up in the trees, with a harness on, and literally take a ‘leap of faith’, jumping into the air to try to catch treasure rings. My heart was pounding when I was up there and it just gave me even more respect for the children who were the warriors. They’re brave, brave young people who gave it their all in every challenge they faced. I know plenty of adults who wouldn’t attempt some of the things they did. I was very, very proud of them.

How did you and the young warriors pass the time between takes?

We had such a laugh. When we weren’t rolling, we’d play games, sing songs, and with the final group of warriors we each had our own individual high fives. They were a brilliant bunch of kids.

Was it challenging to film in the wilds of the Cairngorms?

It was, but it was never a chore because the location was so utterly stunning. I really hope the audience will appreciate the true beauty of where we filmed in Scotland because there could have been no better backdrop, it’s phenomenal. It was a real privilege to be there.

What are you most looking forward to about the new series?

I can’t wait to see how all the special effects come together. I know so much work has been put in on that front make it all appear really magical and I’m sure the finished product will look stunning. Other than that, I just hope everyone loves the show – both the original fans like me and the next generation who I hope will enjoy it as much as I did when I was a kid.