In a wave of nostalgia for millennial parents, the iconic CBeebies show Balamory is officially making a comeback, with its original stars reuniting for the first script readthrough of the brand new series. The beloved programme, a childhood staple for many, originally aired from 2002 to 2005 and is set to return to screens nearly two decades later.
The Iconic Cast Returns to the Colourful Town
Fans will be delighted to learn that their favourite characters are back. Julie Wilson Nimmo is reprising her role as the ever-enthusiastic nursery teacher Miss Hoolie, complete with her signature green attire. She is joined by Juliet Cadzow as the inquisitive Edie McCredie, Andrew Agnew as the friendly PC Plum, and Kim Tserkezie as the energetic Penny Pocket. The returning cast recently gathered with new co-stars for an initial table read, marking a significant milestone in the show's revival.
First Look at New Episodes and Fresh Faces
A short clip from the readthrough offers a tantalising glimpse into the new adventures awaiting Balamory. The snippet features Penny Pocket suspecting something is "on the loose" after finding huge footprints. This prompts a suggestion from new character Dr. Ollie, played by Carl Spencer, to consult his "big book of animal footprints." Another newcomer, scientist Ava Potts (Danielle Jam), humorously speculates about a "Balamory-saurus." The familiar dynamic returns as Edie McCredie and PC Plum chime in, with Miss Hoolie concluding the scene with a playful pun about a "t-rex-excellent day."
Filming for the highly anticipated revival commenced in July 2025, with the BBC releasing a first-look photo of Julie Wilson Nimmo on set in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, the real-life Scottish town that inspired the show's vibrant setting. The revival will honour the show's legacy while introducing new characters and stories for today's young audience.
A Mix of Nostalgia and New Discovery
BBC executive Kate Morton expressed excitement about the project, stating the series offers a "perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together." She emphasised that the new episodes will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember the original fondly. The revival continues the tradition of home-grown storytelling about the cherished nursery school and its island community.
The original series' global success saw it broadcast across Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and South Africa, and even boosted tourism to Mull. While the revival welcomes new faces, it also remembers late cast member Mary Riggans, who played shopkeeper Suzie Sweet and passed away in 2013. For those eager to revisit the original magic, old episodes of Balamory remain available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
