Original Balamory solid reunite 23 years on from present’s debut for first readthrough of brand name new BBC collection

Balamory’s original stars were reunited for the first readthrough of the show’s brand new revived series.

The beloved show hit screens in 2002 on CBeebies and was a childhood staple for many until the final episode aired in 2005.

In 2024, it was revealed Balamory would be coming back for a revival after two decades off screens – with two new series set to launch this year.

Fan favourite characters Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Edie McCredie and Penny Pocket are all confirmed to reappear.

The returning cast members came together with their new co-stars for a script reading.

Meanwhile, a short clip shows several of the actors reading out lines from one of the upcoming episodes.

Penny Pocket – played by actress Kim Tserkezie, begins by saying: ‘I think there’s something on the loose in Balamory. I found huge footprints.’

This prompts Dr. Ollie (Carl Spencer) to suggest: ‘Why don’t we have a look in my big book of animal footprints.’

Fellow newcomer, scientist Ava Potts (Danielle Jam) says: ‘You mean a Balamory-saurus? Only one way to find out.’

Next shown is familiar face Edie McCredie (Juliet Cadzow), who says: ‘Sorry Penny, there’s nothing here. Apart from two dinosaurs running towards the nursery.’

To which Kim, as Penny, responds by asking: ‘Really, are you serious?’

Edie answers: ‘Yes! Oh, you better get over there now.’

Following this is much-loved PC Plum (Andrew Agnew), saying: ‘It may still be a little old and worn – rude – but I think it’s still in good working order.’

Last but not least is Julie Wilson Nimmo back as the iconic Miss Hoolie , who is seemingly concluding the episode.

She is shown saying: ‘That was the story in Balamory. Thanks for coming. I hope you all had a t-rex-excellent day.’

In July 2025, it was revealed that cast members had begun filming for the highly anticipated new series.

The BBC released a first-look snap of Julie Wilson Nimmo on set in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show’s iconic setting.

During a break from filming, Julie ditched her staple stripy green cardigan for a vibrant floral-print jacket and khaki wide-leg trousers, which she paired with a forest green jumper. 

The original run also starred Miles Jupp as Archie the Inventor, Rodd Christensen as Spencer the Painter while Buki Akib and Kasia Haddad played Josie Jump at different points.

Late actress Mary Riggans played shopkeeper Suzie Sweet, who worked alongside Penny Pocket. 

Mary passed away in her sleep at home in 2013, aged 78, a year after suffering a stroke.

BBC boss Kate Morton said previously: ‘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.’

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

Its fame saw visitors flood to the island in their thousands to see the site of PC Plum’s rounds, and the tourist office was swamped with calls.

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.

Old episodes of Balamory are available to stream on BBC iPlayer.