Balamory first-look reveals new and returning cast members as beloved children’s classic returns after 21 years

BBC announces the cast for the return of Balamory, featuring some familiar faces and some new!

Images: Lion Television Scotland/BBC

After more than two decades off screen, one of the BBC’s most beloved children’s programmes is set to return this month, as Balamory makes its long-awaited comeback on BBC’s CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.

The brand-new series will launch on Monday 20 April at 5pm, with all episodes also becoming available on BBC iPlayer the same day, marking the first new instalments in 21 years.

First-look images released by the BBC offer a bright and colourful glimpse of the island community, with a mix of familiar faces and new residents preparing to welcome a new generation of young viewers.

The return of Balamory is expected to strike a strong chord with parents across Northern Ireland and the wider UK who grew up with the original series, while introducing its much-loved sense of fun, curiosity and community to today’s children.

A childhood favourite returns

Warm, playful and instantly recognisable, the reboot keeps the heart of the original show firmly intact.

The BBC says the new series will continue to centre on the “lovable community of quirky characters” who fill each day with rainbow-coloured adventures, songs, friendship and humour.

Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies, said the programme’s return had been a particularly special moment for the broadcaster.

“Balamory holds a very special place in the hearts of families across the UK, so bringing it back after 21 years has been a real joy.

“It’s wonderful to welcome back beloved characters like Miss Hoolie, PC Plum and Penny Pocket, who have shaped so many childhoods, while also introducing a new generation of Balamory residents who bring fresh energy, humour and heart to the island.

“The spirit of curiosity, creativity and community that defined the original series remains at the core of this new chapter, and we can’t wait for young viewers and their grown-ups to rediscover the magic of Balamory together.”

Familiar faces back on screen

Balamory: Miss Hoolie, once again played by Julie Wilson Nimmo

Among the returning characters is Miss Hoolie, once again played by Julie Wilson Nimmo, who returns as the warm and enthusiastic head of the Balamory Nursery.

Balamory returns: PC Plum, played by Andrew Agnew

She is joined by fan favourites PC Plum, played by Andrew Agnew, and Penny Pocket, played by Kim Tserkezie.

Balamory returns: Penny Pocket, played by Kim Tserkezie

PC Plum remains the island’s lovable police officer whose earnest investigations often spiral into comic misunderstandings, while Penny continues to serve as one of the community’s most energetic and dependable residents, balancing life at the shop and café with a host of side ventures.

Meet the new generation of residents

The refreshed cast also introduces new characters who bring a modern twist to the island.

Balamory returns: Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam

New to Balamory: Dr Ollie, portrayed by Carl Spencer

Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam, steps into the role of Balamory’s resident inventor, following in the footsteps of her father Archie.

Her workshop is described as being packed with repurposed household items turned into imaginative and often hilariously unnecessary inventions.

Another new addition is Dr Ollie, portrayed by Carl Spencer, whose veterinary surgery is home to a lively collection of animals, including Euan the elephant.

The character blends animal care with music, theatre and storytelling, promising plenty of lively moments for younger audiences.

Meanwhile, Edie McCredie, played by Juliet Cadzow, brings wisdom and warmth to the island as the operator of her own delivery service and captain of the Sea Dasher.

Balamory returns: Edie McCredie, played by Juliet Cadzow

Balamory returns: The Harbourmaster, played by William Andrews

Also joining the line-up is The Harbourmaster, played by William Andrews, whose slapstick mishaps and rivalry with PC Plum are expected to provide some of the series’ biggest laughs.

Production team behind the revival

The series has been produced by Lion Television Scotland, part of All3Media.

Lisa Hazlehurst serves as Executive Producer, with Adrian Mead directing and Jacqueline Sinclair as Series Producer.

The revival was commissioned by Kate Morton for BBC Children’s and Education, with Mark Barton acting as BBC Commissioning Executive.

The return of Balamory is likely to be welcomed by families who fondly remember the original series, which became a staple of children’s television in the early 2000s.

With nostalgia running high and a new generation ready to discover its colourful world, the island community looks set to become a familiar fixture in homes once again later this month.

---

At a glance

• Balamory returns after 21 years

• New series launches Monday 20 April

• Airs on CBeebies at 5pm

• All episodes available on BBC iPlayer the same day

• Returning favourites include Miss Hoolie, PC Plum and Penny Pocket

• New characters include Ava Potts, Dr Ollie, Edie McCredie and The Harbourmaster

• Produced by Lion Television Scotland

• BBC says the revival keeps the show’s spirit of community, curiosity and fun