Balamory is back – Miss Hoolie and PC Plum lift the lid on what to expect
Balamory Makes a Comeback – Original Stars Reunite for New Series
After a long hiatus, the cherished children’s TV show Balamory is set to return this month. Julie Wilson Nimmo, the actress who portrayed Miss Hoolie, reflects on the show’s enduring appeal: “People have been asking me about the story in Balamory for over two decades, almost daily.” For generations of fans, the show’s charm lies in its depiction of a vibrant, fictional island where community and creativity drive everyday solutions.
A Nostalgic Reunion
The revival brings back key figures from the original series, including Wilson Nimmo and Andrew Agnew, who played PC Plum. “It’s an incredible privilege to rejoin something we adored,” Agnew shares. The duo hopes the show’s timeless warmth will captivate a new audience, especially as children’s programming has evolved rapidly. “Today’s kids are surrounded by animation, but it’s rare to find a series that centers on children interacting with other children,” Wilson Nimmo notes.
“What’s the story in Balamory?” Julie Wilson Nimmo, better known as Miss Hoolie, asks. “People have been saying that to me for 20-odd years, practically every day.”
The return of Balamory follows a BBC warning about a decline in UK-made children’s content. Despite this, the show’s legacy remains strong. At its peak, it drew two million weekly viewers in the UK and a global audience. Wilson Nimmo and Agnew express hope that these familiar faces will inspire current generations to watch with their own children. “Hopefully, they’ll want to share the experience with their kids,” Agnew adds.
Wilson Nimmo and Agnew recall the show’s international reach, which spanned Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and South Africa. Their global recognition includes a memorable encounter in Turkey, where Agnew was “in my trunks at a swimming pool” and kids instantly recognized him as PC Plum. The cast’s initial script reading was a heartfelt moment, with Wilson Nimmo describing the nostalgia as “real” when the familiar songs were revisited.
The new series features returning characters like Penny Pocket, the shopkeeper, and Edie McCredie, the delivery driver. Agnew confirms PC Plum’s role remains unchanged: “He’s still bumbling, still getting things wrong.” Meanwhile, fresh faces join the cast, including Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer), a vet with his two children, and The Harbourmaster (William Andrews). Miles Jupp, who played Archie in the original, is absent, but his successor, Ava Potts (Danielle Jam), steps into the inventor role.
Alongside the familiar characters, the show introduces updated musical elements. Agnew mentions new songs and modernized versions of classics, though the older tunes still hold a special place. “People sing my songs to me all the time—it’s a joy I’ll never trade,” he jokes. The revival is produced by Lion Television Scotland, with two series planned, each containing 10 episodes. The first episode airs on CBeebies on Monday, April 20th, and all episodes will be available on BBC iPlayer simultaneously.
