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
After nearly two decades since its final episode on CBeebies, the cherished children’s series Balamory is making a triumphant return. Julie Wilson Nimmo, the voice of Miss Hoolie, recalls the show’s enduring popularity: “People have been asking me, ‘What’s the story in Balamory?’ for over 20 years, nearly every day.” The programme’s vibrant portrayal of community and creativity has left a lasting impression, drawing fans from around the globe.
Miss Hoolie and PC Plum, played by Andrew Agnew, are among the original cast members reprising their roles. Wilson Nimmo expressed delight at the new stories, while Agnew described the return as “an honour to be back doing something we love.” Their hope is that the show’s nostalgic charm will connect with a new audience, offering a rare blend of childhood authenticity in today’s animated landscape.
“It’s come at the perfect time,” Wilson Nimmo says. “Children are exposed to so much animation now, which is fantastic. But for kids to sit and watch kids on the telly, not a lot of shows do that any more.”
The revival follows concerns raised by the BBC about the decline of UK-made children’s content. Despite these challenges, the programme’s legacy remains strong. At its peak, Balamory drew two million weekly viewers in the UK and millions more internationally, spanning Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and South Africa.
Wilson Nimmo and Agnew shared anecdotes of their global recognition. The former recalls forming bonds with The Wiggles during a visit to Australia, while the latter humorously recalls being identified as PC Plum in Turkey while in swimwear. Their reunion during the script read-through was emotional, with Wilson Nimmo stating, “I was pretty emotional because we were seeing the scripts for the first time. The nostalgia buzz was real.”
New Stories and Characters
The new series features familiar faces, including Penny Pocket, the shopkeeper, and Edie McCredie, the delivery driver. Agnew notes PC Plum’s continued role: “The island would not be the same without him. He’s still bumbling, still a wee bit getting the wrong end of the stick quite a lot.”
Introducing fresh characters, such as Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) and The Harbourmaster (William Andrews), the revival adds a modern twist. Agnew describes these additions as “a really lovely new touch to the show.” While actor Miles Jupp, who portrayed Archie the inventor, is absent, his legacy lives on through Ava Potts (Danielle Jam), the latest Balamory resident inventor.
“People come up to me and sing my song at me. That’s lovely and I wouldn’t change that for the world, but it doesn’t go away,” Agnew jokes, highlighting the timeless appeal of the original music.
The revival consists of two series, each with 10 episodes, produced by Lion Television Scotland. The first episode airs on CBeebies on Monday, 20th April, with all 10 episodes available on BBC iPlayer the same day. As Wilson Nimmo puts it, the return is a “love letter to the original,” bridging past and present for a new generation of fans.
