Balamory is back – Miss Hoolie and PC Plum lift the lid on what to expect

Balamory is back – Miss Hoolie and PC Plum lift the lid on what to expect

Julie Wilson Nimmo, the actress behind the character Miss Hoolie, reflects on the enduring popularity of a phrase that has become synonymous with the show. “What’s the story in Balamory?” she poses, adding that the question has been a regular part of conversations for over two decades. For countless fans, the familiar catchphrase instantly evokes memories of the beloved children’s series, which depicted a vibrant island community where everyday challenges were overcome through camaraderie and lightheartedness.

The show, which originally aired on CBeebies, is making a comeback this month with a new season. Remarkably, some of its original cast members are reprising their roles, bringing the same charm and warmth that defined the early 2000s hit. “It’s such an honor to be back doing something we adore,” says Andrew Agnew, who portrayed PC Plum. The duo believes the show’s nostalgic appeal will strike a chord with a new audience, particularly as children today are surrounded by a wealth of animated content.

“For kids to sit and watch other kids on the telly, not many shows do that anymore,” Wilson Nimmo notes. The revival comes amid concerns about the decline of UK-made children’s programming, as highlighted in a recent BBC report. Despite these challenges, the show’s original stars hope its return will connect with both old and new viewers. “It’s come at the perfect time,” Agnew adds, suggesting that the nostalgia factor could be a powerful draw for families.

“People come up to me and sing my song at me. That’s lovely and I wouldn’t change that for the world, but it doesn’t go away.”

The show’s global reach has left a lasting imprint on its cast. Wilson Nimmo recalls meeting children’s music group The Wiggles in Australia, while Agnew shares a memorable moment in Turkey where a child recognized him by name. “I was pretty emotional seeing the scripts for the first time,” Wilson Nimmo says, highlighting the sentimental reunion during the initial script read-through. The nostalgic energy was palpable as the familiar tunes returned.

Viewers can anticipate the return of key characters, including Penny Pocket, the town’s energetic shopkeeper, and Edie McCredie, the delivery driver. PC Plum remains a central figure, described by Agnew as “still bumbling, still a wee bit getting the wrong end of the stick.” New additions to the cast include Dr. Ollie (Carl Spencer) and The Harbourmaster (William Andrews), while the role of inventor Archie has been taken up by Ava Potts (Danielle Jam). Actor Miles Jupp, who played Archie in the original series, is not part of this revival.

Although the new series introduces fresh characters and updated songs, the original team asserts that the show’s essence remains unchanged. “There’s new songs as well and new takes on the songs because they’ve been revamped a wee bit to modernise them,” Agnew explains. Despite the changes, the classic melodies are still instantly recognizable, a testament to their lasting impact.

The two-season revival, produced by Lion Television Scotland, will debut on CBeebies on Monday 20th April, with all 10 episodes available on BBC iPlayer the same day. For Wilson Nimmo and Agnew, the project is more than a return to the screen—it’s a heartfelt tribute to the show’s legacy.