BBC gives first look at new Balamory with returning and new stars
The new series of Balamory starts on April 20 on CBeebies.
Balamory is back on screens later this month - 21 years after it last aired.
The beloved CBeebies show makes its big comeback on April 20 with 10 new episodes, and the BBC has given fans a first-look at the loveable characters - some familiar and new - tasked with entertaining a whole new generation of Balamory viewers.
Refreshed storytelling, playful adventures, as well as retaining the warmth, comedy and catchy songs that made the programme - which originally ran from 2002 until 2005 - a household favourite, have been promised for the new series.
Fans will be delighted that Julie Wilson Nimmo, 54, returns as Miss Hoolie, the enthusiastic Balamory Nursery owner who loves getting stuck into fun activities with the children, as well as showing off the vibrant island's history, culture and traditions.
Andrew Agnew, 49, is back patrolling crime-free Balamory as the friendly, nature-loving police officer PC Plum, and it is guaranteed the character will bring his slapstick charm to every episode, be it forming a one-man band or hunting for imaginary volcanoes.
Kim Tserkezie, 52, reprises her energetic alter ego, Penny Pocket, who is running the community's bustling shop and cafe, while juggling multiple side hustles, from sports coaching to party planning.
And Juliet Cadzow, 74, is the wise and quietly authoritative bus driver Edie McCredie again, who now also captains her beloved boat, the Sea Dasher.
Miles Jupp, 46, does not appear in the new Balamory series as the island's resident inventor, Archie; however, Danielle Jam is playing the character's daughter, Ava Potts.
Ava follows in Archie's footsteps and will invite viewers into her workshop full of ingenious yet delightfully unnecessary creations.
Carl Spencer is introduced as Balamory's resident vet, Dr Ollie, whose surgery is home to a range of different animals, including Euan the elephant - whose trunk regularly steals the show.
The dad-of-two - Bonnie and Hamish - adores storytelling, music and theatre, and Dr Ollie will pop into the Balamory Nursery to entertain the children with facts about animals, songs and impressions.
And William Andrews, 48, stars as the clumsy Harbourmaster, who is responsible for ensuring the harbour is run smoothly while bringing humour to the quay.
Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies, said it "has been a real joy" to bring Balamory back to CBeebies after 21 years because it "holds a very special place in the hearts of families across the UK".
She added: "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."
Balamory will air on CBeebies from Monday, April 20, at 5pm, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer the same day.
