Balamory is back – Miss Hoolie and PC Plum lift the lid on what to expect
Balamory is back – Miss Hoolie and PC Plum lift the lid on what to expect
Julie Wilson Nimmo, widely recognized as Miss Hoolie, reflects on the enduring appeal of the show: “What’s the story in Balamory?” she muses, noting that the phrase has been a recurring question for over two decades. The beloved children’s series, which aired on CBeebies, brought together a colorful island community where problem-solving thrived through camaraderie and imagination. After nearly 20 years, the program is set to return this month, with some original cast members reprising their iconic roles.
“It’s such an honour to be back doing something we love so much,” says Andrew Agnew, who played the bumbling PC Plum. The revival, he adds, feels like a “love letter to the original,” capturing the same spirit that once captivated millions.
The return of Balamory coincides with a BBC report highlighting concerns about the decline of UK-produced children’s content. Despite this, the show’s legacy remains strong, with its global reach spanning Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and South Africa. Wilson Nimmo and Agnew, now decades into their careers, still remember the impact of the original series, which once drew two million weekly viewers in the UK.
“Children are exposed to so much animation now, which is fantastic,” Wilson Nimmo remarks. “But for kids to sit and watch kids on the telly, not many shows do that anymore.” The emotional reunion of the cast during the script read-through was a moment of nostalgia, with the familiar songs reigniting cherished memories. “The nostalgia buzz was real,” she recalls, as the team reconnected with the show’s timeless charm.
The new series features a mix of returning and fresh faces, including Penny Pocket, the shopkeeper, and Edie McCredie, the delivery driver. While PC Plum remains a fixture on the island, his character retains his signature mix of determination and missteps. Agnew hints at new characters, calling them “a fantastic addition” that brings a modern twist to the show’s storytelling.
“People come up to me and sing my song at me,” Agnew jokes. “That’s lovely, and I wouldn’t change that for the world, but it doesn’t go away.” The pair also confirms that the original songs will be updated, though their lyrics are still widely recognized.
Produced by Lion Television Scotland, the revival includes two series of 10 episodes each. The first season launches on Monday, 20th April, with all 10 episodes available on BBC iPlayer on the same day. For Wilson Nimmo, the comeback represents a chance to reconnect with fans who may now be watching with their own children. “Hopefully they will want to put the kids in front of something they loved so much,” she says, expressing optimism about the show’s renewed appeal.