BBC announces return of iconic Scottish show Balamory after two decades with original cast
It's been two decades since the beloved children's programme Balamory graced our television screens, but that's all about to change as the BBC has announced the show is making a triumphant return.
The final episode of Balamory was broadcast in June 2005, after an impressive run spanning 253 episodes over four years on CBeebies.
Set on a fictional small island community off Scotland 's west coast called Balamory, the programme centres around eight distinctive characters, each sporting a signature colour of clothing and residing in a matching coloured house.
Five of these beloved characters are set to return in the refreshed series, with the BBC now confirming that the original actors will be reprising their iconic roles.
Julie Wilson Nimmo is returning as Miss Hoolie, Andrew Agnew will once again don the uniform as PC Plum, Kim Tserkezie is coming back as Penny Pocket, and Julie Cadzow will be stepping back into the shoes of Edie McCredie, reports Wales Online.
The revamped series will launch on BBC iPlayer and CBeebies next year, combining the much-loved original characters with an array of fresh faces to give preschoolers an updated version of the cherished programme.
Fresh additions to the cast include scientist Ava Potts (Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews), and local veterinarian Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer).
The BBC assures viewers that at the programme's core "remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher".
Filming for the beloved children's show is set to take place in a Glasgow studio and on location in Tobermory, the Isle of Mull town that served as the inspiration for the series' setting.
Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning 0-6 for BBC Children's and Education, expressed her enthusiasm: "It's wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together. This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly."
Fans of Balamory can rejoice as two new series have been announced, each featuring ten 14-minute episodes. The show will continue to explore the lives within the nursery school and the tight-knit island community, with audiences eagerly anticipating its return in 2026.
The creation of Balamory is credited to Brian Jameson, while Lion Television Scotland, part of All3Media, is responsible for its production.
The team behind the revival includes Lisa Hazlehurst as executive producer, Adrian Mead directing, and Jacqueline Sinclair taking on the role of series producer.
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