Ballykissangel, the beloved BBC drama that captivated audiences from 1996 to 2001, is set to make a comeback on UK television. All 58 episodes of the Northern Ireland-set series will be available to watch for free on Freeview channel Great TV, starting with the first episode on February 2 at 3pm. The show, which drew up to 10 million viewers weekly during its original run, has not been broadcast for nearly a decade.
The series follows Father Peter Clifford, played by Stephen Tompkinson, a young English priest who moves to the fictional village of Ballykissangel. He forms a close bond with pub landlady Assumpta Fitzgerald, portrayed by Dervla Kirwan, sparking a will-they-won't-they romance that kept viewers hooked. The show ended after six series in 2001, with Assumpta's tragic death in series three leaving fans heartbroken.
Since leaving Ballykissangel, Tompkinson has enjoyed a successful career, starring in Wild At Heart, DCI Banks, and the BBC drama Split. In 2023, he was cleared of inflicting grievous bodily harm after an incident in 2021. Kirwan has also thrived, appearing in Doctor Who, Law and Order: UK, and Netflix's The Stranger, as well as being the voice of Marks & Spencer's food range. She married fellow actor Rupert Penry-Jones in 2007.
James Nesbitt, who played Assumpta's ex-boyfriend Leo in the early series, went on to star in Cold Feet, The Hobbit trilogy, and numerous other TV and film roles. The revival of Ballykissangel offers a chance for a new generation to discover the gentle drama that became a Sunday night staple for millions.
