Balamory star is ageing backwards – 20 years on from final ever BBC episode after they quit fame
The fan favourite programme originally aired between 2002 and 2005 and became one of the most notable kids TV shows from the Beeb.
4
4
4
4
Set in Balamory, based and filmed on the island of Tobermory in Scotland, the pre-school hit saw a slew of characters including Miss Hoolie, Josie Jump, painter Spencer and PC Plum.
Rodd Christensen, the actor behind fan-favourite Spencer, looks just as youthful in rare snaps.
The US actor, originally from Las Vegas, appears to be ageing backwards 20 years on, though now sports a beard.
After Balamory ended, Rodd remained with the BBC and presented a series called 'Talkie Time' on CBeebies.
He also hosted his own show titled Counting With Rodd that aimed to teach children about maths and numbers.
Rodd, now 57, quit fame and was briefly a bus driver for Stagecoach before returning to Las Vegas.
Though he shunned the limelight, his daughter made headlines when it was revealed she was a porn star.
Raylin Joy, who lives in LA, said she got into porn "for the giggles".
Following the announcement on the return of Balamory Rod told BBC Scotland's Lunchtime Live the news was "very exciting".
"If they ask me to go back then I'll absolutely be there with bells on, I'm sure," he said.
"But at the moment we're all just getting excited at the fact that it's happening.
"I don't think it would be same if we weren't involved in it," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Rhyl Journal
41 minutes ago
- Rhyl Journal
Sugababes ‘honoured' to share same stage as Mariah Carey after headlining Pride
On Sunday, the English girl group closed the weekend of celebrations in Preston Park with a show full of throwbacks and synchronised dance moves. After taking to the stage, they said 'last night headlining was Mariah' before adding: 'It's a complete honour to be on the same stage.' Just like Carey on Saturday, the group told the audience that the LGBT+ community has always been the 'core' of their fanbase. Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy had the whole crowd bouncing as they closed the show with About You Now, despite some microphone issues. Buena seemed to struggle as she sang the introduction, with her vocals fading out, but the trio recovered well, bringing the curtain down on this year's Preston Park performances. The group referenced their 'long journey', having started when they were around 12 years old in 1998 before splitting and then regaining the name Sugababes in 2019. Images of each of them as kids flickered up on screen accompanied by a voiceover describing their story so far. 'We found our way back to each other,' Buchanan said. They almost forgot to sing their 2025 single Shook, starting the intro for the next song before doubling back, admitting they are 'not used' to having it in the set. According to the BBC, roughly 300,000 people were in Brighton over the weekend. Many of the acts across the weekend have made sure to remind their audience that Pride started as protest, with some making reference to Gaza and also transgender rights being rolled back in the UK. Drag queen Tayris Mongardi, who performed at Brighton Pride this weekend, told the PA news agency that Pride is about being 'present and vocal' while also having a 'good bloody time'. She said that while living and working in the UK is 'privileged' compared to other countries, it is still important to remember 'what we're fighting for'. The performer said: 'Look, we're so blessed in so many ways to have the privileges we do here versus other countries and whatnot but really like it is a protest and you do have to remember not only its roots and where it's come from but what we're fighting for. 'Yes I might be queer and of colour but I have so many trans brothers and sisters, siblings and we're watching their rights actually being taken away – it's about being present, being vocal.' Ms Mongardi has performed at every Brighton Pride since 2017, excluding the pandemic year, and now feels like she is 'part of the furniture' at the event, and said that Pride is about community. She added: 'Protect trans lives, protect black lives, and have a good bloody time you know, we're all fighting, we're all trying to get through the place but have a good time while you're doing it right?'
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Strictly Come to Rehab? Two dancers at centre of BBC dancing show's cocaine storm 'will be offered professional support' by programme
BBC bosses are reportedly set to offer professional support to two stars of hit dancing show Strictly Come Dancing, amid allegations they took cocaine on the programme. The Sun reported that it was widely known the pair, who have not been named, took the Class A substance. It comes after it was revealed the broadcaster has hired a law firm to probe allegations of drug taking by two individuals, whose drug use is said to be 'well-known' on the show. The claims were reportedly made in a legal submission to the BBC by law firm Russells back in March, on behalf of former contestant Wynne Evans. Last night a source told the newspaper: 'The BBC is taking the allegations really seriously. 'Bosses are aware of the two stars in question and have a duty of care to make sure they're OK. 'As per BBC policy, the option of specialised professional support is on the table and will be offered.' They added: 'While drug testing won't happen on the main show, bosses are considering bringing in random checks for the tour next year. 'The BBC needs to be sure nothing illegal is going on. 'It all depends on what the investigation finds.' The Daily Mail has contacted the BBC for comment. The shock allegations come just amid a long period of controversy for the BBC and Strictly over the past year or so. In July last year, more than six months after quitting the show citing 'personal reasons', actress Amanda Abbington accused pro dancer Giovanni Pernice of 'unnecessary, cruel and mean behaviour' during their time dancing together on Strictly. Giovanni rejected the claims immediately, and a BBC investigation ruled in September that her claims of physical aggression and threatening behaviour were not upheld. When BBC bosses published their report into Giovanni's behaviour, it cleared him of the most serious allegations of physical aggression, but upheld verbal bullying and harassment. Complaints of verbal bullying and harassment meant the BBC issued an apology to Amanda, but Giovanni said he was 'pleased the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour'.
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Gavin and Stacey crew member whose death shook star was 'prolific' DJ as tributes paid
Gavin and Stacey star Mathew Horne shared recently that a crew member from the BBC show had died and his former colleague has since been named as musician Rob Picton Tributes have been paid to a former Gavin and Stacey crew member who died recently. Mathew Horne has been among those reflecting on the news, with him having choked up whilst discussing the loss an event this week. Mathew, 46, who played Gavin Shipman, became emotional whilst on stage at an event held on Thursday. The actor announced that one of the drivers who worked on the sitcom's finale, which aired back in December, had died recently. He referred to his late colleague simply as Rob. The crew member is understood to be Rob Picton, who's been named elsewhere. Although having worked as a driver on the BBC show, he's known as a DJ, producer and club promoter in Wales, and has been the subject of tributes. It's yet to be announced how Rob, also known as Joe Blow, died. Last month, he posted about his health on social media, telling fans that he had been experiencing esophagitis, which involves the inflammation of the esophagus, and had been sent home from work previously due to chest pains. He wrote on July 17: "To everyone who has been trying to get hold of me, I will be back in touch, I'm not ignoring you. Got sent home from work a few days ago with chest pains and been wiped out ever since with Esophagitis." Rob shared that he would have to miss some events as a result. He also said: "Its sucks not being able to swallow food or drink without being in excruciating pain, as anyone who knows me knows its my favourite thing to do." Over a week later though, Rob appeared to be back at work. He posted about at a rave event in Cardiff that he is understood to have organised and thanked fans for their support. Gavin and Stacey star Mathew paid tribute to his late former colleague at a talk in Taunton earlier this week. The actor took part in an In Conversation event at Taunton Brewhouse in Somerset on Thursday. As reported by the Sun, he apologised to the audience at one point, saying that he had been "distracted" after hearing about his colleague's death. He said: "Earlier on ... we had a driver on the finale called Rob and he was in his early 40s... and I found out via the WhatsApp group earlier that he has passed away and I got slightly distracted there." Mathew described the news as "really sad" and reiterated that he had got distracted over the loss. He added: "He was a really lovely guy and he's left a four-year-old behind and that is really, really, really sad." There have been tributes to Rob this week, including on BBC Introducing with Adam Walton. Adam Walton said that he had the "privilege" of playing Rob's music, including as a member of groups, on the BBC Radio show for more than 25 years. He further paid tribute and expressed his condolences to those who knew Rob. Adam said at one point: "Rob was a great and prolific emcee, and his loss is seismic for his friends and collaborators and obviously for his family and community."
