Original Balamory stars return for new CBeebies series in 2026

Stars of the original BBC children’s programme Balamory will revive their roles in a new series next year.

Julie Wilson Nimmo will be back as nursery teacher Miss Hoolie, Andrew Agnew as PC Plum, Kim Tserkezie as Penny Pocket and Juliet Cadzow as Edie McCredie in the reboot on CBeebies.

The BBC said it would blend familiar faces with a host of new characters for a “joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures”.

The orginal hit programme from the early 2000s was inspired by the real life Scottish town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull.

New characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam, local vet Dr Ollie, played by Carl Spencer, and the harbour master, played by William Andrews.

Filming will take place in a studio in Glasgow and on location in Tobermory.

BBC children’s commissioner Kate Morton said: “It’s wonderful to see some of the original cast returning alongside new faces, creating a perfect mix of nostalgia and discovery for families to enjoy together.

“This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly.”

Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory became a television staple for young children.

It was broadcast around the world, becoming a hit with young audiences in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and South Africa.

The BBC said the revival would continue its tradition of home-grown storytelling about the much-loved nursery school and island community that surrounds it.

The pogramme has been commissioned for two new series, produced by Lion Television Scotland, with 10 episodes in each.