The beloved CBeebies show Balamory returns to screens today after a 21-year absence, with original star Julie Wilson Nimmo reprising her role as nursery teacher Miss Hoolie. The 54-year-old actress said: 'Nostalgia is joy. It’s very timely. It feels like now it is needed more than ever.'
Originally airing from 2002 to 2005, the show attracted two million weekly viewers in the UK and was broadcast in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and South Africa. Rumours even suggest Pope John Paul II watched the programme via the BBC Prime channel.
Returning characters include PC Plum, played by Andrew Agnew, 49, who said: 'I think people love Balamory because they wish they lived there.' Also back are Penny Pocket (Kim Tserkezie, 52) and bus driver Edie McCredie (Julet Cadzow, 74). New additions include harbourmaster Will Andrews, 48, scientist Ava Potts (Danielle Jam, 25), and vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer, 33).
Carl Spencer, a former stage musical actor, described joining the show as 'unbelievably cool'. He added: 'From the second you hear the theme song, you get a wave of nostalgia, your inner child bubbles up.' Filming takes place in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull and in a Glasgow studio, with two 10-episode series commissioned.
Tourism bosses in Tobermory anticipate a boost, as the original series reportedly increased visitor numbers by 40%. Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning for CBeebies, said: '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.'
