The iconic BBC drama Ballykissangel is making a triumphant return to British television screens for the first time in over a decade. All 58 episodes of the beloved series, which captured the hearts of millions in the late 1990s, will be available to watch completely free of charge.
A Welcome Return for a Sunday Night Classic
The Freeview channel Great TV has secured the rights to air all six seasons of the comedy-drama. The show, which originally aired on Sunday nights from 1996 to 2001, has not been broadcast on UK television since 2016. The first episode will debut on Friday, February 2nd at 3pm, with subsequent episodes airing at the same time each weekday from Monday to Friday.
At the peak of its popularity, the series attracted over 10 million viewers per week. Filmed in the picturesque village of Avoca in County Wicklow, it offered a gentle blend of humour, romance, and community spirit centred on the fictional Irish village of Ballykissangel.
Kate Gartland, Marketing Director at Great TV, expressed delight at the show's return: "We are absolutely delighted that we can bring back this wonderful, heartwarming series for our viewers. The return of all 58 episodes taps into a wider appetite for comfort viewing and 1990s nostalgia."
Reliving the Drama and Romance of Ballykissangel
The series followed the story of Father Peter Clifford (Stephen Tompkinson), a young priest from Manchester who arrives in Ballykissangel to assist the formidable Father MacAnally (Niall Tóibín). He quickly becomes entangled in the lives of the villagers, most notably in a slow-burning, complex relationship with Assumpta Fitzgerald (Dervla Kirwan), the fiercely independent local publican.
Their chemistry and the central moral dilemma of a priest falling for a woman critical of the Church provided much of the show's dramatic tension. The ensemble cast also featured memorable characters like wheeler-dealer businessman Brian Quigley (Tony Doyle) and the village vet Siobhán (Deirdre O'Kane).
For many actors, the series served as a significant career launchpad. Most notably, a 22-year-old Colin Farrell appeared in one of his first screen roles as barman Darren Byrne, long before his Hollywood stardom.
Where Are the Stars of Ballykissangel Now?
The cast of the classic series have pursued diverse and successful careers since leaving the fictional village behind.
Stephen Tompkinson built a long television career with leading roles in series like Wild at Heart and DCI Banks. He has also maintained a strong presence in theatre, recently touring in a play about Samuel Beckett.
Dervla Kirwan has remained a prominent figure on screen and stage. She has starred in dramas such as Goodnight Sweetheart, Silent Witness, and the Netflix series House of Guinness. In 2023, she returned to the West End in the hit play Dear England.
Colin Farrell has, of course, achieved global fame as a Hollywood leading man. With acclaimed performances in films like In Bruges and The Banshees of Inisherin, he has won multiple Golden Globes and earned an Academy Award nomination.
Deirdre O'Kane successfully balanced acting with a stand-up comedy career, becoming a familiar face on Irish television. Veteran actor Niall Tóibín continued working in film and television until his passing in 2019.
The return of Ballykissangel offers a perfect opportunity for original fans to revisit a cherished classic and for a new generation to discover its unique charm, all without spending a penny.
