What’s the story? After two decades much loved BBC children’s programme Balamory is back! We caught up with some of the cast who tell why the time is right for its return
Admit it, you have missed Balamory. With its cheery characters and rainbow of houses, the CBeebies show was a joy for kids and a guilty pleasure for the parents or grandparents. And at 5pm today, nursery teacher Miss Hoolie is back after a 21-year absence. Julie Wilson Nimmo, 54, reprising the role after 21 years, says: “Nostalgia is joy. It’s very timely. It feels like now it is needed more than ever.”
Balamory attracted two million viewers a week in the UK and was also seen in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and South Africa during its original 253-episode run, from 2002 to 2005. Rumour has it even Pope John Paul II watched, as the Vatican received it on the BBC Prime channel.
READ MORE: BBC star ‘didn’t think’ beloved show would return after 21 years
It was the brainchild of series creator and producer Brian Jameson, who viewed it as a soap opera for children. Balamory is a fictionalised version of Tobermory, a harbour town with a quirky sweep of colourful buildings on Scotland’s Isle of Mull. Other old favourites returning include PC Plum, played by Andrew Agnew. Andrew, 49, says: “I think people love Balamory because they wish they lived there.” He adds: “When they see people who are genuinely nice people and friendly and caring, they think, ‘I want that in my life’.”
Andrew, who lives in Glasgow and has worked extensively behind the camera at CBBC, also playing Tam in CBeebies’ Woolly & Tig and Walter in Scots Squad, says of his character: “There isn’t much crime in Balamory, because he keeps everyone safe. He does get the wrong end of the stick quite a lot though. Sometimes he speaks before he thinks.”
The reboot will also bring back Penny Pocket, who runs the cafe and shop, played by Kim Tserkezie, 52, and bus driver Edie McCredie, played by Julet Cadzow, 74. New characters will include a harbourmaster played by Will Andrews, 48; scientist and inventor Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam, 25, and vet Dr Ollie, played by Carl Spencer. Carl, 33, says: “Dr Ollie is one of the biggest kids in Balamory. He’s proud in his own skin, happy to be laughed at and to bring joy. He’s very passionate and wears his heart on his sleeve.”
Londoner Carl, who was in stage musicals before being cast as the escapologist in Matilda the Movie, adds: “The world of Balamory allows everyone to reconnect with their inner child once again. From the second you hear the theme song, you get a wave of nostalgia, your inner child bubbles up and you revert back into this giddy, free-minded human being. I watched Balamory when I was a child. I can’t believe I’m on the show now – it’s unbelievably cool.”
Balamory, an early-career job for comedian Miles Jupp as inventor Archie, has been recommissioned for two 10-episode series. Filming takes place in Tobermory and in a studio in Glasgow, with each episode lasting around 20 minutes. Julie, 54, who lives in Fife with her husband Greg and has two sons, has also been starring in BBC show Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim.
She says of her Balamory character: “Miss Hoolie is me on a good day. She runs the nursery and can’t wait for the children to come through the door so she can solve their problems. She loves being part of the community and is very kind.” But she says charming Tobermory, and the kids who appear, are the show’s real stars. She adds: “Balamory is obviously in Scotland, but it could be anywhere. People want to escape into that world.”
Tourism bosses in Tobermory are also awaiting the show’s revival with keen anticipation, as it reportedly boosted visitor numbers by 40% the first time around. Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning for CBeebies, says: “Balamory holds a very special place in the hearts of families across the UK, so bringing it back after 21 years has been a real joy. The spirit of curiosity, creativity and community that defined the original series remains at the core of this new chapter.”
*Balamory airs on CBeebies from 5pm today, with all 10 episodes available on BBC iPlayer today too.
READ MORE: Where are the Balamory cast now as CBeebies show to make surprise comeback
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