Balamorys Reboot Moves Fans to Tears

Balamory's long-awaited return to screens left many viewers in tears on Monday, as they lauded the show's 'comforting' reboot after a two-decade absence. 

The CBeebies show has been revived for a new generation of fans, with stars Julie Wilson Nimmo and Andrew Agnew among those reprising their roles.

After the first of two planned series dropped on  iPlayer, many fans praised the reboot as a welcome return, with a large number of viewers admitting they'd tuned in having watched the original run during their childhood.

Other familiar faces who will be reprising their roles in the iconic children's show include cafe and shop owner, Penny Pocket, played by Kim Tserkezie, 52, as well as the village's bus driver, Edie McCredie - aka Julet Cadzow, 74. 

Balamory's return will also, naturally, feature many new faces, including Carl Spencer, 33, who will play the village vet Dr Ollie.

In particular, fans praised Julie, 54, for her welcome return as the kindly nursery school teacher Miss Hoolie, with one fan even declaring she 'deserved a damehood.'

Writing on X, they said: 'Watching the first episode of the #Balamory reboot felt so nice and comforting! It definitely felt like it paid homage to the original series, which is incredibly rare to see (as a whole, not just with kids TV);

'She is like a warm hug, where's her damehood;

'Tuning into CBeebies as we speak at my big age to watch #Balamory;

'Not me at 53 watching new #Balamory with a wee tear in my eye;

'Set my alarm for 16.55 to see the new #Balamory with my big kid who used to be little, sobbing at the first sight of Miss Hoolie and PC Plum.'

Balamory had two million viewers a week at its peak and was enjoyed by viewers around the world - it was even rumoured that then-pope, Pope John Paul II, tuned in from the Vatican.

Julie, who is also currently appearing on Jules and Greg's Wild Swim with her husband Greg, told The Mirror: 'Miss Hoolie is me on a good day. She runs the nursery and can't wait for the children to come through the door so she can solve their problems. She loves being part of the community and is very kind.

'Balamory is obviously in Scotland, but it could be anywhere. People want to escape into that world.'

Other new characters include the harbourmaster, played by Will Andrews, 48, and scientist and inventor, Ava Potts, who will be portrayed by Danielle Jam, 25.

The show's return is also being hotly anticipated by the town of Tobermory itself, which saw a surge in tourism after the original series aired.

Tobermory, now known for its brightly coloured houses, is reported to have seen visitor numbers increase by a whopping 40 per cent thanks to the show.

Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning for CBeebies, said: '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. 

'The spirit of curiosity, creativity and community that defined the original series remains at the core of this new chapter.'