BBC confirms return of iconic children’s show Balamory after almost 20 years

rodd christensen as spencer, julie wilson nimmo as ms hoolie, balamory 2004
BBC confirms return of iconic children’s showBBC

The BBC has announced the return of iconic children’s show Balamory.

The CBeebies series last aired nearly 20 years ago in 2005, with viewers set to return to the fictional Scottish village in 2026 for two seasons.

While concrete details remain under wraps for now, the BBC are “interested in ideas from producers where some of the original characters will be included in the series alongside a host of new faces for preschoolers to get to know”.

andrew agnew, balamory
BBC

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The original series focused on a nursery school and its teacher Miss Hoolie, with each episode focusing on a character’s problem before visiting one of the island’s characters to help resolve the issue.

The original show starred the likes of Miles Jupp, Julie Wilson Nimmo, Buki Akib, Kasia Haddad, Juliet Cadzow, Andrew Agnew, Rodd Christensen, Mary Riggans and Kim Tserkezie, though it is unclear who will return.

“A whole new generation will discover and enjoy Balamory as we bring families together with this new update for CBeebies,” said the BBC Children’s and Education head of commissioning 0-6, Kate Morton.

julie wilson, balamory
BBC

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“It will be a real treat for parents who grew up with the show to now introduce their little ones to the brightly coloured world getting to know a host of old and new characters together.”

The new episodes are set to be filmed in either Tobermory (its original location) or Rothesay, with 10 episodes airing per season.

Reacting to the reboot news, Nimmo said (via Daily Record): “It’s the craziest and best news ever that Balamory is coming back. I seriously think this is bigger than the Oasis reunion. Everyone I know loves the show and has been missing it.”

Balamory will return on CBeebies in 2026.

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