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{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image             =
| image               = Balamory title.png
| caption           =
| caption             = A still from ''Balamory''{{'}}<nowiki/>s title sequence
| camera             =
| camera               =  
| company           = [[BBC Scotland]] (original series)<br />Tattiemoon (''Seeking Santa'' special)<br>[[All3Media|Lion Television Scotland]] (revival series)
| company             = [[BBC Scotland]] (original series)<br />Tattiemoon (''Seeking Santa'' special)<br>[[All3Media|Lion Television Scotland]] (revival series)
| genre             = [[Children's television series]]
| genre               = [[Children's television series]]
| runtime           = 19–22 minutes<br />28–30 minutes (specials)
| runtime             = 19–22 minutes<br />28–30 minutes (specials)<br />14 minutes (revival)
| creator           = Brian Jameson
| creator             = Brian Jameson
| developer         = BBC Broadcast<br />Yvonne Jennings
| developer           = BBC Broadcast<br />Yvonne Jennings
| executive_producer = Brian Jameson
| executive_producer   = Brian Jameson
| opentheme          = "What's the Story in Balamory?"
| open_theme          = "What's the Story in Balamory?"
| endtheme          = 'What's the Story in Balamory?" (short version)
| end_theme            = 'What's the Story in Balamory?" (short version)
| composer           = Jane McLaughlin<br />Paul Wilson<br />Gregor Philp<br />Foss Paterson<br />Colin Winston Fletcher<br />Jim Muotune<br />David Scott<ref name="composer">{{Cite AV media notes|title="What's the Story in Balamory?" theme from Balamory|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=mn0153322|date=2002|access-date=30 October 2021|page=1|type= sheet music|publisher=[[Imagem]] Music}}</ref>
| composer             = Jane McLaughlin<br />Paul Wilson<br />Gregor Philp<br />Foss Paterson<br />Colin Winston Fletcher<br />Jim Muotune<br />David Scott<ref name="composer">{{Cite AV media notes|title="What's the Story in Balamory?" theme from Balamory|url=https://www.musicnotes.com/sheetmusic/mtd.asp?ppn=mn0153322|date=2002|access-date=30 October 2021|page=1|type= sheet music|publisher=[[Imagem]] Music}}</ref>
| country           = [[Scotland]]
| country             = United Kingdom
| language           = English
| language             = English
| network           = [[CBeebies]]
| network             = [[CBeebies]]
| first_aired       = {{Start date|2002|09|02|df=y}}
| first_aired         = {{Start date|2002|09|02|df=y}}
| last_aired         = {{End date|2005|06|29|df=y}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2005|06|29|df=y}}
| num_series         = 4
| first_aired2        = <!--Only insert start date after the first episode has aired. {{Start date|2026|df=y}} -->
| num_episodes       = 253, including Christmas special
| last_aired2          = <!--Only insert start date after the first episode has aired. present -->
| starring           = [[Julie Wilson Nimmo]]<br />[[Miles Jupp]]<br />[[Buki Akib]]<br />[[Kasia Haddad]]<br />[[Juliet Cadzow]]<br />[[Andrew Agnew (actor)|Andrew Agnew]]<br />[[Rodd Christensen]]<br />[[Mary Riggans]]<br />[[Kim Tserkezie]]      
| related              = ''[[Me Too! (TV series)|Me Too!]]''
}}  
| num_series           = 4
| num_episodes         = 253, including Christmas special
| starring             = [[Julie Wilson Nimmo]]<br />[[Miles Jupp]] <br />[[Buki Akib]]<br />[[Kasia Haddad]]<br />[[Juliet Cadzow]]<br />[[Andrew Agnew (actor)|Andrew Agnew]]<br />[[Rodd Christensen]] <br />[[Mary Riggans]]<br />[[Kim Tserkezie]]<br />Danielle Jam<br />Carl Spencer<br />[[William Andrews (comedian)|William Andrews]]
}}


'''''Balamory''''' is<!-- Do not change to was as per [[WP:TVLEAD]] --> a Scottish live-action children's programme on [[CBeebies]] for pre-school children, about a fictional small island community off the west coast of Scotland, named ''Balamory''. Four series were produced from 2002 to 2005 by [[BBC Scotland]], with 253 episodes made (including a DVD-exclusive Christmas episode). The programme was created by Brian Jameson.
'''''Balamory''''' is<!-- Do not change to was as per [[WP:TVLEAD]] --> a Scottish live-action children's programme created by Brian Jameson for [[BBC Scotland]]. The show, promoted by the BBC as being the "world's first [[Soap opera|soap]] for pre-school children",<ref name="Balamory goes interactive with PC title from BBC Multimedia">{{cite web|title=Balamory goes interactive with PC title from BBC Multimedia|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/01_january/balamory_pc_cd.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=January 21, 2004}}</ref> centres on a fictional small island community off the west coast of Scotland and deals with the residents of the community and their issues.
 
Originally lasting for four series and 253 episodes (including a DVD-exclusive Christmas special), ''Balamory'' aired on [[CBeebies]] from 2002 until 2005. Upon its initial premiere, the series was a big ratings success for the then-newly launched channel,<ref>{{cite web|title=CBeebies is the first choice... however, whenever, wherever|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/11_november/20/cbeebies_winter.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=November 20, 2002}}</ref> and by the beginning of 2004, was promoted as being the most successful in-house pre-school program produced by the BBC since ''[[Teletubbies]]''.<ref name="Balamory goes interactive with PC title from BBC Multimedia"/> Following its initial cancellation in 2005, a revival series was announced by the BBC in September 2024 for a 2026 broadcast window to be produced by [[All3Media|Lion Television Scotland]].<ref name="Lion Television Scotland secures the contract to produce the new series of Balamory">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/lion-television-scotland-secures-the-contract-to-produce-the-new-series-of-balamory | title=Lion Television Scotland secures the contract to produce the new series of Balamory | website=BBC Media Centre | date=January 28, 2025 }}</ref>
 
==Synopsis==
[[File:Not Balamory but Tobermory - geograph.org.uk - 1464192.jpg|thumb|Tobermory, Mull, the setting for the fictional town of Balamory]]
[[File:Not Balamory but Tobermory - geograph.org.uk - 1464192.jpg|thumb|Tobermory, Mull, the setting for the fictional town of Balamory]]
[[File:Balamory bus, Glasgow Museum of Transport - geograph.org.uk - 1108371.jpg|thumb|Edie McCredie's bus ([[LDV Convoy]]) in the [[Riverside Museum|Glasgow Museum of Transport]]]]
The series uses a bridge-style format, with Miss Hoolie acting as the bridge-in-gap for the main portion of the episode. A creative aspect of the programme involves the characters often being "one step behind" the audience when it comes to problem-solving. This allows for young, inquisitive viewers to figure out "what the story is" in Balamory based on their interpretations. Miss Hoolie directly talks to the viewers watching, recapping for them the episode's moral and how the characters would accomplish it.
The opening credits show the town of "Balamory" with its brightly coloured houses and residents. Miss Hoolie opens the nursery school, greets the nursery children, and talks about that day's weather. On a "play day" she visits Pocket & Sweet, the shop-and-cafe.
One of the other characters (who will be the main character of that episode) tells Miss Hoolie about a problem. This character then sings "Which Coloured House Are We Going To?", asking the young viewers to guess which of the ''Balamory'' characters will be most helpful in solving the problem. The main character then proceeds to visit several other characters until the problem is solved. Miss Hoolie and the main character provide a summary of the story at each point, and a final recap at the end of the episode.


[[File:Balamory bus, Glasgow Museum of Transport - geograph.org.uk - 1108371.jpg|thumb|Edie McCredie's bus ([[LDV Convoy]]) in the [[Riverside Museum|Glasgow Museum of Transport]]]]To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, 25 episodes from Series 4 were added to [[BBC iPlayer]] on 30 August 2022. On 17 September 2024, it was announced that the show will return for two new series in 2026 on [[CBeebies]] including bringing back old characters from the past. In May 2025, they held auditions for the children of the nursery. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-17 |title='What's the new story in Balamory?' – kids' show gets a reboot |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly6vvdy449o.amp |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-gb}}</ref> The revival series will be produced by Lion Television Scotland, under a tender contract from the BBC.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/lion-television-scotland-secures-the-contract-to-produce-the-new-series-of-balamory | title=Lion Television Scotland secures the contract to produce the new series of Balamory }}</ref>
For example, in one episode, Josie Jump has been asked to look after a neighbour's rabbit, but does not know what it needs. She is advised to visit PC Plum, who advises her to feed it vegetables. She then goes to the shop run by Pocket and Sweet to buy rabbit food, and finally brings the rabbit to Miss Hoolie's nursery for the children to feed and pat it.
 
Each episode of ''Balamory'' contains at least four songs:
* "What's the Story in Balamory?", the theme song
* Miss Hoolie's opening song, either "Everybody, Everyone" if the nursery school is open, or one of the two "play day" songs otherwise
* "Which Coloured House Are We Going To?", sung by the main character after presenting their problem
* Character-specific songs, sung by the characters visited by the main character


==Characters==
==Characters==
There are eight central characters in ''Balamory''. Each character wears a distinctive colour of clothing and lives in a house of the same colour.
There are eight central characters in ''Balamory''. Each character wears a distinctive colour of clothing and lives in a house of the same colour.


* '''Miss Hoolie''' (played by [[Julie Wilson Nimmo]]) – The Balamory Nursery teacher. She is the main character and acts as a presenter and a narrator for each episode. Her main colour is green and she lives in a green cottage.
===Original characters===
* '''Archie''' (played by [[Miles Jupp]]) – An inventor who builds zany creations from household objects (often yoghurt pots), which are intended to be useful, but sometimes backfire. His main colour is pink and he lives in a pink castle.
* '''Miss Hoolie''' (played by [[Julie Wilson Nimmo]]) (2002–present) – The Balamory Nursery teacher. She is the main character and serves as both presenter and narrator for each episode. Her main colour is green and she lives in a green cottage.
* '''Josie Jump''' (played by [[Buki Akib]] in Series 1 & 2 and [[Kasia Haddad]] in Series 3 & 4) – A fitness instructor who plays and coaches all types of gymnastics, sports and dance and is also talented at storytelling through expressive movement and dance. Her main colour is yellow and she lives in a yellow towered house.
* '''PC Plum''' (played by [[Andrew Agnew (actor)|Andrew Agnew]]) (2002–present) – The local police officer. He aspires to be a master detective, but since Balamory is a crime-free village, he mostly spends his time watching wildlife. His main colour is white (although he wears a mostly black police uniform) and he lives in a white police station.
* '''Edie McCredie''' (played by [[Juliet Cadzow]]) – The Balamory Bus Driver. She has travelled all over the world and has a variety of photographs and souvenirs from her travels to talk about. She is also an expert driver and motor mechanic and occasionally gets exasperated with other road users. She has a video camera which has been put to use should the occasion arise, notably in "The Wedding" and "Indian Wedding". Her main colour is blue and she lives in a blue garage / house.
* '''Edie McCredie''' (played by [[Juliet Cadzow]]) (2002–present) – The Balamory Bus Driver. She has travelled all over the world and has a variety of photographs and souvenirs from her travels to talk about. She is also an expert driver and motor mechanic and occasionally gets exasperated with other road users. She has a video camera which has been put to use should the occasion arise, notably in "The Wedding" and "Indian Wedding". Her main colour is blue and she lives in a blue garage / house.
* '''PC Plum''' (played by [[Andrew Agnew (actor)|Andrew Agnew]]) – The local police officer. He aspires to be a master detective, but since Balamory is a crime-free village, he mostly spends his time watching wildlife. His main colour is white (although he wears a mostly black police uniform) and he lives in a white police station.
* '''Suzie Sweet''' (played by [[Mary Riggans]]) (2002–2005) and '''Penny Pocket''' (played by [[Kim Tserkezie]]) (2002–present) – Suzie Sweet was the joint café and shop runner. She was a grandmotherly figure who loved to tell customers about the items in her shop. Her main colour was red. Penny Pocket is a young woman who uses a wheelchair and has a talent for mathematics. Together, she and Suzie ran the village shop and cafè. In the original series, Penny's main colour was light blue, in the revival, her colour is now red. On 29 July 2025, Tserkezie was interviewed on Reporting Scotland during a Balamory filming break, in a red costume to honour Riggans’ memory.
* '''Spencer''' (played by [[Rodd Christensen]]) – An African-American painter who is responsible for making Balamory as colourful as it is and is also talented with music, especially as his painter's ladder is musical; each rung sounding a different note. His main colour is orange and he lives in an orange bungalow.
* '''Archie''' (played by [[Miles Jupp]]) (2002–2005) – An inventor who would build zany creations from household objects (often yoghurt pots), which were intended to be useful, but sometimes would backfire. His main colour was pink and he lived in a pink castle.
* '''Suzie Sweet''' (played by [[Mary Riggans]]) and '''Penny Pocket''' (played by [[Kim Tserkezie]]) – Suzie Sweet is the joint café and shop runner. As she's older than the other residents, she is a grandmotherly figure who loves to tell customers about the items in her shop. Her main colour is red. Penny Pocket is a young woman who uses a wheelchair and has a talent for mathematics. Together, she and Suzie run the village shop and café. Her main colour is light blue and they work together in a red village café shop.
* '''Spencer''' (played by [[Rodd Christensen]]) (2002–2005) – An African-American painter who was responsible for making Balamory as colourful as it is and was also talented with music, especially as his painter's ladder was musical; each rung sounding a different note. His main colour was orange and he lived in an orange bungalow.
* '''Josie Jump''' (played by [[Buki Akib]] in Series 1 & 2 and [[Kasia Haddad]] in Series 3 & 4) (2002–2005) – A fitness instructor who played and coached all types of gymnastics, sports and dance and was also talented at storytelling through expressive movement and dance. Her main colour was yellow and she lived in a yellow towered house.
 
===New upcoming characters===
New characters who will appear in the 2026 revival include:<!--WARNING: Don't add any made-up/unsourced characters (e.g., Jack Elton, Chad Wild Clay, PC Harry,). Any of those edits may be considered vandalism and will be reverted. --><ref name="bbc_revival"/>
* '''Ava Potts''' (played by Danielle Jam) – A scientist and inventor.
* '''Dr Ollie''' (played by Carl Spencer) – A local vet who lives with his two children.
* '''Harbour Master''' (played by [[William Andrews (comedian)|William Andrews]])
 
===Guest actors===
A number of episodes feature guest actors in addition to the main characters and the nursery children. [[Terry Wogan]] made a guest appearance in one episode (''The Game Show'') as a television director. This episode also featured [[Greg Hemphill]] ([[Julie Wilson Nimmo]]'s husband in real life) and [[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]], who plays [[Nick Cotton]] in the BBC soap opera ''[[EastEnders]]''. Celebrity chef [[Keith Floyd]] was also seen in Suzie Sweet's song "Suzie's Cookin'".


==Songs==
==Songs==
In every episode, a selection of songs are played, each depends on the character.
In every episode, a selection of songs are played, each depends on the character.


Beginning in Series 3, a new selection of songs was introduced, although the original songs were still used on occasion (except for the Play Day song). Also, Penny Pocket and Suzie Sweet, who originally shared a song, were given their own songs. Josie Jump's original song was redone with [[Kasia Haddad]], who replaced [[Buki Akib]] as Josie. In addition, the Nursery song was given new verses, which were used interchangeably with the original.
Beginning in Series 3, a new selection of songs was introduced, although the original songs were still used on occasion (except for the Play Day song). Also, Penny Pocket and Suzie Sweet, who originally shared a song, were given standalone songs. Josie Jump's original song was redone with [[Kasia Haddad]], who took over from [[Buki Akib]] as Josie; with one shot from Archie, and Suzie and Penny's original songs (along with most shots from Edie's original song) also being changed to accommodate this change. In addition, the Nursery song was given new verses, which were used interchangeably with the original.


All characters, with the exception of Miss Hoolie, sing the Coloured House song one at a time per episode. Penny and Suzie have sung this song both individually and together. Miss Hollie only sang it once as a duet with Josie.
All characters, except Miss Hoolie, sing the Coloured House song one at a time per episode. Penny and Suzie have sung this song both individually and together. Miss Hoolie only sang it once as a duet with Josie.


The songs were composed by Foster Paterson<ref name="composer" /> and Paul Wilson.
The songs were composed by Foster Paterson<ref name="composer" /> and Paul Wilson.


* What's the Story in Balamory?' – Title Theme [All 4 Series]
* What's the Story in Balamory?' – Title Theme [All 4 Series]
* Which Coloured House Are We Going To? – Transition theme [All 4 Series]
* Which Coloured House Are We Going To? – Transition theme and instrumental version was used on final recap [All 4 Series]
* Everybody Everyone – Miss Hoolie's Nursery theme [All 4 Series]
* Everybody Everyone – Miss Hoolie's Nursery theme [All 4 Series]
* Everyone's at Home Today – Miss Hoolie's Play Day theme (Series 1–2)
* Everyone's at Home Today – Miss Hoolie's Play Day theme (Series 1–2)
* Strike Up the Band – Miss Hoolie's Play Day theme (Series 3–4)
* Strike Up the Band – Miss Hoolie's Play Day theme (Series 3–4)
* I'm Archie the Inventor – Archie's theme [All 4 Series]
* I'm Archie, the Inventor – Archie's theme [All 4 Series]
* Great Inventions, Groovy Solutions – Archie's theme (Series 3–4)
* Great Inventions, Groovy Solutions – Archie's theme (Series 3–4)
* Jump Up a Little Higher – Josie Jump's theme [All 4 Series]
* Jump Up a Little Higher – Josie Jump's theme [All 4 Series]
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* When I Honk My Horn – Edie McCredie's theme [All 4 Series]
* When I Honk My Horn – Edie McCredie's theme [All 4 Series]
* Let Me Take You on a Journey – Edie McCredie's theme (Series 3–4)
* Let Me Take You on a Journey – Edie McCredie's theme (Series 3–4)
* I'm PC Plum – PC Plum's theme [All 4 Series]
* I'm PC Plum – PC Plum's theme (Series 1–3)
* Follow the Clue – PC Plum's theme (Series 3–4)
* Follow the Clue – PC Plum's theme (Series 3–4)
* Climbing Up My Musical Ladder – Spencer's theme [All 4 Series]
* Climbing Up My Musical Ladder – Spencer's theme [All 4 Series]
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* What's the Story in Balamory?' (Instrumental) – End Credits Theme [All 4 Series]
* What's the Story in Balamory?' (Instrumental) – End Credits Theme [All 4 Series]


==Episodes==
==Episode guide==
A typical episode follows this general plan:
 
The opening credits show the town of "Balamory" with its brightly coloured houses. Miss Hoolie opens the nursery school, greets the nursery children, and talks about that day's weather. On a "play day" she visits Pocket & Sweet, the shop-and-cafe.
 
Miss Hoolie breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience directly down the camera lens in every episode. A creative aspect of the programme involves the characters often being "one step behind" the audience when it comes to problem solving. This allows for young inquisitive viewers to figure out "what the story is" in Balamory based on their own individual interpretations.
 
One of the other characters (who will be the main character of that episode) tells Miss Hoolie about a problem. This character then sings "Which Coloured House Are We Going To?", asking the young viewers to guess which of the ''Balamory'' characters will be most helpful in solving the problem. The main character then proceeds to visit several other characters until the problem is solved. Miss Hoolie and the main character provide a summary of the story at each point, and a final recap at the end of the episode.
 
For example, in one episode Josie Jump has been asked to look after a neighbour's rabbit, but does not know what it needs. She is advised to visit PC Plum, who advises her to feed it vegetables. She then goes to the shop run by Pocket and Sweet to buy rabbit food, and finally brings the rabbit to Miss Hoolie's nursery for the children to feed and pat it.
 
Each episode of ''Balamory'' contains at least five songs:
* "What's the Story in Balamory?", the theme song
* Miss Hoolie's opening song, either "Everybody, Everyone" if the nursery school is open, or one of the two "play day" songs otherwise
* "Which Coloured House Are We Going To?", sung by the main character after presenting his or her problem
* Character-specific songs, sung by the characters visited by the main character
 
===Episode guide===
*[[Balamory series 1|Series One]]
*[[Balamory series 1|Series One]]
*[[Balamory series 2|Series Two]]
*[[Balamory series 2|Series Two]]
Line 93: Line 105:


==Audience==
==Audience==
The programme was aimed at preschoolers although often reached an older audience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scottishsunday.com/news/ww1/|title=The Scottish Sunday – Scotland's award-winning independent newspaper|website=Scottish Sunday}}</ref> The show can also be seen in a humorous light. The characters in ''Balamory'' are somewhat naive and light hearted. The storyline revolves around simple problems designed to challenge pre-schoolers' minds.
The programme is aimed at pre-schoolers although often reached an older audience.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://scottishsunday.com/news/ww1/|title=The Scottish Sunday – Scotland's award-winning independent newspaper|website=Scottish Sunday}}</ref> The show can also be seen in a humorous light. The characters in ''Balamory'' are somewhat naive and lighthearted. The storyline revolves around simple problems designed to challenge pre-schoolers' minds.
 
==Guest actors==
A number of episodes feature guest actors in addition to the main characters and the nursery children. [[Terry Wogan]] made a guest appearance in one episode (''The Game Show'') as a television director. This episode also featured [[Greg Hemphill]] ([[Julie Wilson Nimmo]]'s husband in real life) and [[John Altman (actor)|John Altman]], who plays [[Nick Cotton]] in the BBC soap opera ''[[EastEnders]]''. Celebrity chef [[Keith Floyd]] appeared in Suzie Sweet's song "Suzie's Cookin'".


==Production==
==Production==
The show was first confirmed to be in production on 20 November 2001, under the working title of ''Applecross'' before it was named Balamory in August 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|title=40m for BBC children's channels|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1666285.stm|website=BBC News|access-date=28 July 2021|date=20 November 2001}}</ref>
The show was first confirmed to be in production on 20 November 2001, under the working title of ''Apple Cross'' before it was named Balamory in August 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|title=40m for BBC children's channels|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/1666285.stm|website=BBC News|access-date=28 July 2021|date=20 November 2001}}</ref> Producers wanted a title that rhymed with Tobermory, as well as a title that rhymed with ''Story''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-08-16 |title=Andrew Agnew |url=https://tresamagazine.com/2022/08/16/andrew-agnew/ |access-date=2025-10-03 |website=TresA |language=en-GB}}</ref> An unaired test pilot named Applecross was filmed.  No plotline is known, since the production was never released to the public.


===Filming locations===
===Filming locations===
''Balamory'' was filmed mostly in [[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]] on the [[Isle of Mull]], with the exception of scenes at Archie's castle filmed in East Lothian, and other scenes such as the nursery and the Mainland City, which were filmed in Glasgow.
''Balamory'' was filmed mostly in [[Tobermory, Mull|Tobermory]] on the [[Isle of Mull]], with the exception of scenes at Archie's castle filmed in East Lothian, and other scenes such as the nursery and the Mainland City, which were filmed in Glasgow.


The nursery was part of North Glasgow College in Barmulloch for series 1 and 2, which was then knocked down. In series 3 and 4, the nursery was a custom built set outside the BBC studios in Maryhill.
The nursery was part of North Glasgow College in Barmulloch for series 1 and 2, which was then knocked down. In series 3 and 4, the nursery was a custom-built set outside the BBC studios in Maryhill.
 
==Cancellation==
On 30 April 2005, the BBC announced that it would not order another season of the series, citing that it wanted to experiment and create more new programme ideas. The show continued to be repeated on [[CBeebies]] until 3 July 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC Programme Index|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/b0078kvq|access-date=2022-01-24|website=genome.ch.bbc.co.uk|date=12 February 2007 }}</ref> By then only the first two series, series 1 and 2 (except the last episode of series 2) respectively, continued to be repeated as the last two series, series 3 and 4, as well as the last episode of Series 2 could not be repeated due to licensing issues from 22 January 2010 onwards.
 
By the time the programme was cancelled, many of the cast were also keen to move on. [[Miles Jupp]], who played Archie, stated that the fame from his role was causing problems in his comedy career, with parents taking their children to his standup routine at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe|Edinburgh Fringe]] on the presumption that it was age-appropriate. [[Julie Wilson Nimmo]], who played Miss Hoolie, complained that she could not take her children to the local play area without being "mobbed."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ross|first=Peter|title=What's the story?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2004/dec/08/familyandrelationships.features11|work=The Guardian|date=8 December 2004|access-date=19 July 2017}}</ref> [[Mary Riggans]], who played Suzie Sweet, died in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-25221282|title=Balamory and High Road actress dies|work=BBC News|date=4 December 2013}}</ref> [[Andrew Agnew (actor)|Andrew Agnew]], who played PC Plum, went on to work for Tattiemoon Productions and direct the children's TV show ''[[Me Too! (TV series)|Me Too!]]'', which shared similarities in concept with ''Balamory''. Although set in Scotland, it is primarily set in a city rather than a coastal town.
 
==Revival==
On 17 September 2024, the BBC announced that the show would be revived for a two-season run of twenty episodes, and would premiere on [[CBeebies]] in 2026. The revival was announced to feature old and new characters, and would be filmed in Scotland like before, albeit it would be uncertain if it would be filmed in Tobermory like before.<ref>{{cite web|title=What’s the story in Balamory? Beloved children’s series to return to CBeebies|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2024/balamory-to-return-to-cbeebies|website=BBC Media Centre|date=September 17, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-17 |title='What's the new story in Balamory?' – kids' show gets a reboot |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cly6vvdy449o.amp |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=[[BBC News]] |language=en-gb}}</ref> On 28 January 2025, it was announced that under the BBC's "competitive tender" policy, the revival would be produced by [[All3Media]] subsidiary Lion Television Scotland.<ref name="Lion Television Scotland secures the contract to produce the new series of Balamory"/>
 
On 18 July 2025, the BBC officially announced that Nimmo, Agnew, Tserkezie and Cadzow would reprise their roles as Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Penny Pocket and Edie McCredie respectively. Three new cast members and their characters were also revealed; Danielle Jam as the scientist and inventor Ava Potts, [[William Andrews (comedian)|William Andrews]] as the Harbour Master, and Carl Spencer as local veterinarian Dr Ollie.<ref name="bbc_revival">{{cite web|title=Beloved Balamory stars to return to iconic children’s series|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/balamory-cast-beloved-stars-return|website=BBC Media Centre|date=July 18, 2025}}</ref> Filming began at the end of the month, officially confirming that the revival would still be recorded in Tobermory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balamory returns - filming begins on new series to premiere on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer in 2026|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/mediacentre/2025/balamory-returns-filming-begins-on-new-series|website=BBC Media Centre|date=July 30, 2025}}</ref>


==International airings==
==International airings==
The series has been aired in many international territories. Such examples include [[Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand)|Nickelodeon]] (Nick Jr.) in Australia, [[RTÉ]] in Ireland, [[BBC Kids]] in Canada, and [[TVB]] in Hong Kong.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/10_october/brand_licensing_2005.shtml | title=BBC – Press Office – BBC Worldwide at Brand Licensing 2005 }}</ref>
The series has been aired in many international territories. Such examples include [[Nickelodeon (Australia and New Zealand)|Nickelodeon]] (Nick Jr.) in Australia, [[RTÉ]] in Ireland, [[BBC Kids (Canadian TV channel)|BBC Kids]] in Canada, [[TVB]] in Hong Kong, and [[BBC Prime]] for most European territories.<ref name="BBC – Press Office – BBC Worldwide at Brand Licensing 2005">{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/10_october/brand_licensing_2005.shtml | title=BBC – Press Office – BBC Worldwide at Brand Licensing 2005 | website=BBC Press Office | date=October 10, 2002 }}</ref>


On 4 August 2005, BBC Worldwide Americas pre-sold US broadcast rights to thirty-nine episodes to [[Discovery Communications]] who also secured US merchandising rights. The series aired on [[Discovery Kids]] and  [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] as part of their ''[[Ready Set Learn!]]'' strand.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/balamory-heads-to-discovery-kids-in-us/1027980.article | title=Balamory heads to Discovery Kids in US }}</ref>
On 4 August 2005, BBC Worldwide Americas pre-sold US broadcast rights to thirty-nine episodes to [[Discovery Communications]] who also secured US merchandising rights. The series aired on [[Discovery Kids]] and  [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]] as part of their ''[[Ready Set Learn!]]'' strand.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/balamory-heads-to-discovery-kids-in-us/1027980.article | title=Balamory heads to Discovery Kids in US | website=Broadcast Now | date=August 4, 2005 }}</ref>


The series has been aired by the Dutch broadcaster [[TROS]].
The series has been aired by the Dutch broadcaster [[TROS]].


==Home media and streaming==
==Merchandising==
BBC Worldwide released many VHS and DVDs of the series in United Kingdom, which each focus on a specific character or theme.
In 2005, BBC Worldwide announced that over twenty-one licensees were producing products based on the series.,<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Worldwide showcases the latest properties in its high-quality portfolio at L!censing International|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/05_may/licensing_international.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=May 31, 2005}}</ref> including Vivid Imaginations as the show's master toy partner, [[Ravensburger]] for wooden puzzles, Flair for wooden toys, Character World for bedding, and Trumark for tableware.<ref>{{cite web|title=BBC Worldwide showcases the potential of its property portfolio at Brand Licensing 2004|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/09_september/brand_licensing2004.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=September 7, 2004}}</ref><ref name="BBC – Press Office – BBC Worldwide at Brand Licensing 2005"/>


{| class="wikitable"
===Home media and streaming===
|-
In the United Kingdom, [[BBC Worldwide]] and later [[2 Entertain]] released VHS and DVDs of the series, commonly focusing on a specific character or theme. One such volume was the show's debut release: "Mysteries with PC Plum". Released on 17 November 2003, it contained three/four episodes focusing on PC Plum.<ref>{{cite web|title=Popular CBeebies series BALAMORY released on DVD and VHS for the first time|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2003/10_october/balamory_video.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=October 28, 2003}}</ref> The DVD topped the BBC's children's sales charts upon its release, selling 21,000 copies within its first week and becoming their best-selling new release title of the year.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2003/11_november/balamory.shtml|title=BBC – Worldwide Press Office – Top story for Balamory|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
!VHS / DVD name
!Episodes
!Focus
!Release date
!Extras (DVD)
|-
| Mysteries with PC Plum<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2003/11_november/balamory.shtml|title=BBC – Worldwide Press Office – Top story for Balamory|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|"The Missing Scarecrow"<br />"The Sing Along Machine"<br />"Litter Bug"<br />"The Lost Voice" (DVD only)
| PC Plum
| 17 November 2003<br />2 July 2007 (Carry Case)
|
|-
| Archie's Inventions
| style="text-align:center;"|"Doctors and Nurses"<br />"Fish Supper"<br />"Newborn Baby"<br />"The Power Cut" (DVD only)
| Archie
| 23 February 2004
| Archie's Sing-Along<br />Catch the Fish Game<br />Make Your Own Inventions<br />Introduction by Archie
|-
| Days Out
| style="text-align:center;"|"Big City"<br />"Beach Ball"<br />"Sailing"<br />"Seals" (DVD only)
| Going Outdoors
| 19 April 2004
| Balamory Sing-Along<br />Finding Game<br />Introduction by Miss Hoolie
|-
| What's the Story, Miss Hoolie?
| style="text-align:center;"|"Jungle Story"<br />"Sound Story"<br />"The Story Blanket"<br />"The Tortoise and the Hare" (DVD only)
| Miss Hoolie
| 12 July 2004
| Miss Hoolie's Sing Along<br />Miss Hoolie's Story Game<br />Introduction by Miss Hoolie
|-
| Dancing Party
| style="text-align:center;"|"Ceilidh"<br />"Disco"<br />"Indian Wedding"<br />"Musical Hamper" (DVD only)
| Celebrations
| 11 October 2004
| Penny and Suzie Sing Along<br />Musical Statues Game<br />Introduction by Penny Pocket
|-
| Panto and Other Stories
| style="text-align:center;"|"Panto" (Extended version)<br />"Snow"<br />"Ice Skating"<br />"Storm in a Nursery" (DVD only)
| Christmas / Winter
| 8 November 2004
| PC Plum Sing Along<br />Cinderella game<br />Panto Photo Gallery<br />Introduction by PC Plum
|-
| Jump with Josie
| style="text-align:center;"|"Couch Potato"<br />"The Ballet"<br />"Tantrums"<br />"Otters" (DVD only)
| Josie Jump
| 14 February 2005
| Josie Sing Along<br />Josie's Fun Fitness Routine
|-
| Rain or Shine
| style="text-align:center;"|"Reflections"<br />"The Puddle Walk"<br />"Seaside Inside"<br />"The Stick Up" (DVD only)
| Weather
| 9 May 2005
| Play Day Sing Along<br />Puddle Puzzle Game
|-
| Musical Stories
| style="text-align:center;"|"Broken Down Bus"<br />"Marching Band"<br />"Vibrations"<br />"The Fiddle Player" (DVD only)
| Music
| 5 September 2005
| Archie's Sing-Along Machine
|-
| Seeking Santa{{efn|The last VHS release of the series.}}
| style="text-align:center;"|"Seeking Santa"<br />"The Snowflake Fairy"
| Christmas / Winter
| 7 November 2005
| Christmas Sing-Along<br />Seeking Santa Game
|-
| Daisy Bus Days
| style="text-align:center;"|"The Map"<br />"Trip to the Moon"<br />"Sausages"<br />"Highland Games"<br />"The Wedding"
| Edie McCredie
| 13 March 2006
| Map Game
|-
| The Christmas Collection (Compilation)
| style="text-align:center;"|"Seeking Santa"<br />"Panto and Other Stories"
| Christmas / Winter
| 13 November 2006
|
|-
| Fingal's Cave and Other Stories (Carry Case DVD)
| style="text-align:center;"|"Fingal's Cave"<br />"Sand Sculpture Festival"<br />"Nuts"<br />"The Mountie"
| Various
| 26 March 2007
|
|-
| Games and Fun with Everyone<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2008/05_may/balamory_games_and_fun.shtml|title=BBC – Press Office – What's The Story on this new Balamory DVD?|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>
| style="text-align:center;"|"Carnival"<br />"The Street Party"<br />"Wheelie Day"<br />"The Piano"<br />"Anyone for Tennis?"<br />"Party Games"<br />"The Boat Race"<br />"Too Much of a Good Thing"
| Games / Activities
| 7 July 2008
|
|-
| The Best of Balamory (Compilation)
| style="text-align:center;"|"Archie's Inventions"<br />"What's the Story, Miss Hoolie?"<br />"Mysteries with PC Plum"
| Various
| 19 July 2010
|
|}


To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, 25 episodes from Series 4 were added to [[BBC iPlayer]] on 30 August 2022.<ref name="bafta-20052">{{Cite web|title='I got mobbed by toddlers': Balamory star Julie Wilson Nimmo marks 20th anniversary of popular show|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/20622459.i-got-mobbed-toddlers-balamory-star-julie-wilson-nimmo-marks-20th-anniversary-popular-show/|archive-url=|archive-date=|date=13 August 2022|publisher=[[Glasgow Times]]}}</ref>
Another volume released for the series was "Seeking Santa", released on 7 November 2005, which contained a special direct-to-video Christmas episode of the same name, alongside an extended version of the Season 2 episode "The Snowflake Fairy".<ref>{{cite web|title=Balamory - Seeking Santa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/07_july/seeking_santa.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=July 27, 2005}}</ref>


==Cancellation / future==
Other volumes for the series that were released over the year included "Archie's Inventions",<ref>{{cite web|title=Competitive Pricing Strategy Offered by BBC Worldwide|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2003/12_december/competitive_pricing_strategy.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=December 12, 2003}}</ref> "Dancing Party",<ref name="BBC Worldwide showcases the potential of its property portfolio at Brand Licensing 2004">{{cite web|title=BBC Worldwide showcases the potential of its property portfolio at Brand Licensing 2004|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/09_september/brand_licensing2004.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=September 7, 2004}}</ref> "Panto and Other Stories",<ref name="BBC Worldwide showcases the potential of its property portfolio at Brand Licensing 2004"/> "Jump with Josie",<ref>{{cite web|title=Jump with Josie this Spring|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/12_december/josie_jump.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=December 9, 2004}}</ref> "Daisy Bus Days",<ref>{{cite web|title=Daisy Bus Days DVD|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2005/12_december/daisy_bus.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=December 5, 2005}}</ref> "Games and Fun with Everyone"<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2008/05_may/balamory_games_and_fun.shtml|title=What's The Story on this new Balamory DVD?|website=BBC Press Office|date=May 2, 2008}}</ref>
On 30 April 2005, the BBC announced that it would not order another season of the series, citing they wanted to experiment and create more new programme ideas. The show continued to be repeated on [[CBeebies]] until 3 July 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC Programme Index|url=https://genome.ch.bbc.co.uk/b0078kvq|access-date=2022-01-24|website=genome.ch.bbc.co.uk|date=12 February 2007 }}</ref> By then only the first two series, series 1 and 2 (except the last episode of series 2) respectively, continued to be repeated as the last two series, series 3 and 4, as well as the last episode of Series 2 could not be repeated due to licensing issues from 22 January 2010 onwards.
, and a compilation containing the "Seeking Santa" and "Panto" DVDs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balamory Christmas Collection|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2006/08_august/balamory_xmas.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=August 28, 2006}}</ref>


By the time the programme was cancelled, many of the cast were also keen to move on. [[Miles Jupp]], who played Archie, stated that the fame from his role was causing problems in his comedy career, with parents taking their children to his standup routine at the [[Edinburgh Festival Fringe|Edinburgh Fringe]] on the presumption that it was age-appropriate. [[Julie Wilson Nimmo]], who played Miss Hoolie, complained that she could not take her children to the local play area without being "mobbed."<ref>{{Cite news|last=Ross|first=Peter|title=What's the story?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2004/dec/08/familyandrelationships.features11|work=The Guardian|date=8 December 2004|access-date=19 July 2017}}</ref> [[Mary Riggans]], who played Suzie Sweet, died in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-25221282|title=Balamory and High Road actress dies|work=BBC News|date=4 December 2013}}</ref> [[Andrew Agnew (actor)|Andrew Agnew]], who played PC Plum, went on to work for Tattiemoon Productions and direct the children's TV show ''[[Me Too! (TV series)|Me Too!]]'', which shared similarities in concept with ''Balamory''. Although set in Scotland, it is primarily set in a city rather than a coastal town.
To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, 25 episodes from Series 4 were added to [[BBC iPlayer]] on 30 August 2022, followed by a further 20 episodes approximately two years later.<ref name="bafta-20052">{{Cite web|title='I got mobbed by toddlers': Balamory star Julie Wilson Nimmo marks 20th anniversary of popular show|url=https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/20622459.i-got-mobbed-toddlers-balamory-star-julie-wilson-nimmo-marks-20th-anniversary-popular-show/|archive-url=|archive-date=|date=13 August 2022|publisher=[[Glasgow Times]]}}</ref>


On 30 August 2022, Andrew and Julie made an appearance on ITV's ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]'' for the show's 20th anniversary year and said they would love to work on a new series.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/whats-the-story-in-balamory-20-years-later|title=What's the story in Balamory – 20 years later!}}</ref>
===Software===
On November 24, BBC Worldwide division [[BBC Multimedia]] announced that it would publish a PC CD-ROM title based on the series for 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2003/11_november/balamory.shtml|title=BBC - Worldwide Press Office - Top story for Balamory|website=www.bbc.co.uk}}</ref>


In September 2024, The BBC announced that two new series of Balamory had been recommissioned to be broadcast in 2026 for a new generation of viewers. In an interview with The [[Daily Record (Scotland)|Daily Record]], Julie described the prospect of this reboot to be "bigger than the [[Oasis Live '25 Tour]]." Casting details are to be confirmed, however some previous cast members are expected to return.
Released on 27 February 2004, the CD-ROM contains a selection of minigames based on each of the show's characters.<ref name="Balamory goes interactive with PC title from BBC Multimedia"/>


==Live tours==
===Live tours===
The show has seen two live tours that were held in Arenas across the United Kingdom, being co-productions with BBC Worldwide and DC Entertainment.
On 24 June 2004, [[BBC Worldwide]] announced that a live arena tour based on the series: ''Balamory Live: What's the Story?'' would tour Aberdeen, Cardiff and Glasgow for the 2004 Christmas season. It was co-produced with DC Entertainment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balamory hits the stage!|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2004/06_june/balamory.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=June 24, 2004}}</ref>


The first show, ''Balamory Live! What's the Story'', toured Aberdeen, Cardiff, and Glasgow for the 2004 Christmas season. The follow-up show – ''Balamory Live: Strike Up the Band'' was held as a farewell tour, and was held in the Autumn of 2005. The cast of the series reprised their roles in the show except for three of them.
On 29 April 2005, a second arena tour was announced by BBC Worldwide as a farewell to the series: ''Balamory Live: Strike Up the Band'', which toured the UK during the autumn of 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=Balamory - no more episodes to be filmed but many still to be screened|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2005/04_april/29/balamory.shtml|website=BBC Press Office|date=April 29, 2005}}</ref> The show's cast reprised their roles except for Julie Wilson Nimmo, who due to being on maternity leave expecting a child, was replaced with Michele Gallagher as Miss Hoolie.<ref>{{cite web|title=GUESS HOOLIE; Exclusive Michele's the new face of Balamory.|url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/GUESS+HOOLIE%3B+Exclusive+Michele%27s+the+new+face+of+Balamory.-a0133210978|first=Rick|last=Fulton|website=The Free Library|date=July 19, 2005}}</ref>
 
In August 2022, [[Andrew Agnew (actor)|Andrew Agnew]] said that he would love to do a brand new live show.


==Awards==
==Awards==
*''Best Pre-school Live Action Series'' (nominated) at the 2003 [[BAFTA Children's Awards]].<ref name="bafta-2003">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2003|title=Past Winners and Nominees – Children's — Awards – 2003|publisher=[[BAFTA]]|access-date=13 January 2010}}</ref>
*''Best Pre-school Live Action Series'' (nominated) at the 2003 [[BAFTA Children's Awards]].<ref name="bafta-2003">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2003|title=Past Winners and Nominees – Children's — Awards – 2003|publisher=[[BAFTA]]|access-date=13 January 2010|archive-date=14 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120914033416/http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2003|url-status=dead}}</ref>
*''Best Pre-school Live Action Series'' (won) at the 2004 BAFTA Children's Awards.<ref name="bafta-2004">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2004|title=Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2004|publisher=[[BAFTA]]|access-date=13 January 2010}}</ref>
*''Best Pre-school Live Action Series'' (won) at the 2004 BAFTA Children's Awards.<ref name="bafta-2004">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2004|title=Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2004|publisher=[[BAFTA]]|access-date=13 January 2010}}</ref>
*''Best Pre-school Live Action Series'' (nominated) at the 2005 BAFTA Children's Awards.<ref name="bafta-2005">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2005|title=Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2005|publisher=[[BAFTA]]|access-date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223215755/http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2005|archive-date=23 February 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
*''Best Pre-school Live Action Series'' (nominated) at the 2005 BAFTA Children's Awards.<ref name="bafta-2005">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2005|title=Past Winners and Nominees – Children's – Awards – 2005|publisher=[[BAFTA]]|access-date=13 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100223215755/http://www.bafta.org/awards/childrens/nominations/?year=2005|archive-date=23 February 2010|url-status=live}}</ref>
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==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


==External links==
==External links==
Line 248: Line 167:
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/08_august/30/balamory.shtml Press release at the launch of ''Balamory''] at [[bbc.co.uk]]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2002/08_august/30/balamory.shtml Press release at the launch of ''Balamory''] at [[bbc.co.uk]]
* {{IMDb title|0372047|Balamory}}
* {{IMDb title|0372047|Balamory}}
{{CBeebies programming}}


[[Category:Balamory]]
[[Category:Balamory]]
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[[Category:Television shows set in Scotland]]
[[Category:Television shows set in Scotland]]
[[Category:Television series by BBC Studios]]
[[Category:Television series by BBC Studios]]
[[Category:Television series by All3Media]]
[[Category:CBeebies original programming]]
[[Category:CBeebies original programming]]
[[Category:British television series revived after cancellation]]

Latest revision as of 01:43, 31 December 2025

Template:Short description Template:Use dmy dates Template:Infobox television

Balamory is a Scottish live-action children's programme created by Brian Jameson for BBC Scotland. The show, promoted by the BBC as being the "world's first soap for pre-school children",[1] centres on a fictional small island community off the west coast of Scotland and deals with the residents of the community and their issues.

Originally lasting for four series and 253 episodes (including a DVD-exclusive Christmas special), Balamory aired on CBeebies from 2002 until 2005. Upon its initial premiere, the series was a big ratings success for the then-newly launched channel,[2] and by the beginning of 2004, was promoted as being the most successful in-house pre-school program produced by the BBC since Teletubbies.[1] Following its initial cancellation in 2005, a revival series was announced by the BBC in September 2024 for a 2026 broadcast window to be produced by Lion Television Scotland.[3]

Synopsis

File:Not Balamory but Tobermory - geograph.org.uk - 1464192.jpg
Tobermory, Mull, the setting for the fictional town of Balamory
File:Balamory bus, Glasgow Museum of Transport - geograph.org.uk - 1108371.jpg
Edie McCredie's bus (LDV Convoy) in the Glasgow Museum of Transport

The series uses a bridge-style format, with Miss Hoolie acting as the bridge-in-gap for the main portion of the episode. A creative aspect of the programme involves the characters often being "one step behind" the audience when it comes to problem-solving. This allows for young, inquisitive viewers to figure out "what the story is" in Balamory based on their interpretations. Miss Hoolie directly talks to the viewers watching, recapping for them the episode's moral and how the characters would accomplish it.

The opening credits show the town of "Balamory" with its brightly coloured houses and residents. Miss Hoolie opens the nursery school, greets the nursery children, and talks about that day's weather. On a "play day" she visits Pocket & Sweet, the shop-and-cafe.

One of the other characters (who will be the main character of that episode) tells Miss Hoolie about a problem. This character then sings "Which Coloured House Are We Going To?", asking the young viewers to guess which of the Balamory characters will be most helpful in solving the problem. The main character then proceeds to visit several other characters until the problem is solved. Miss Hoolie and the main character provide a summary of the story at each point, and a final recap at the end of the episode.

For example, in one episode, Josie Jump has been asked to look after a neighbour's rabbit, but does not know what it needs. She is advised to visit PC Plum, who advises her to feed it vegetables. She then goes to the shop run by Pocket and Sweet to buy rabbit food, and finally brings the rabbit to Miss Hoolie's nursery for the children to feed and pat it.

Each episode of Balamory contains at least four songs:

  • "What's the Story in Balamory?", the theme song
  • Miss Hoolie's opening song, either "Everybody, Everyone" if the nursery school is open, or one of the two "play day" songs otherwise
  • "Which Coloured House Are We Going To?", sung by the main character after presenting their problem
  • Character-specific songs, sung by the characters visited by the main character

Characters

There are eight central characters in Balamory. Each character wears a distinctive colour of clothing and lives in a house of the same colour.

Original characters

  • Miss Hoolie (played by Julie Wilson Nimmo) (2002–present) – The Balamory Nursery teacher. She is the main character and serves as both presenter and narrator for each episode. Her main colour is green and she lives in a green cottage.
  • PC Plum (played by Andrew Agnew) (2002–present) – The local police officer. He aspires to be a master detective, but since Balamory is a crime-free village, he mostly spends his time watching wildlife. His main colour is white (although he wears a mostly black police uniform) and he lives in a white police station.
  • Edie McCredie (played by Juliet Cadzow) (2002–present) – The Balamory Bus Driver. She has travelled all over the world and has a variety of photographs and souvenirs from her travels to talk about. She is also an expert driver and motor mechanic and occasionally gets exasperated with other road users. She has a video camera which has been put to use should the occasion arise, notably in "The Wedding" and "Indian Wedding". Her main colour is blue and she lives in a blue garage / house.
  • Suzie Sweet (played by Mary Riggans) (2002–2005) and Penny Pocket (played by Kim Tserkezie) (2002–present) – Suzie Sweet was the joint café and shop runner. She was a grandmotherly figure who loved to tell customers about the items in her shop. Her main colour was red. Penny Pocket is a young woman who uses a wheelchair and has a talent for mathematics. Together, she and Suzie ran the village shop and cafè. In the original series, Penny's main colour was light blue, in the revival, her colour is now red. On 29 July 2025, Tserkezie was interviewed on Reporting Scotland during a Balamory filming break, in a red costume to honour Riggans’ memory.
  • Archie (played by Miles Jupp) (2002–2005) – An inventor who would build zany creations from household objects (often yoghurt pots), which were intended to be useful, but sometimes would backfire. His main colour was pink and he lived in a pink castle.
  • Spencer (played by Rodd Christensen) (2002–2005) – An African-American painter who was responsible for making Balamory as colourful as it is and was also talented with music, especially as his painter's ladder was musical; each rung sounding a different note. His main colour was orange and he lived in an orange bungalow.
  • Josie Jump (played by Buki Akib in Series 1 & 2 and Kasia Haddad in Series 3 & 4) (2002–2005) – A fitness instructor who played and coached all types of gymnastics, sports and dance and was also talented at storytelling through expressive movement and dance. Her main colour was yellow and she lived in a yellow towered house.

New upcoming characters

New characters who will appear in the 2026 revival include:[4]

  • Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam) – A scientist and inventor.
  • Dr Ollie (played by Carl Spencer) – A local vet who lives with his two children.
  • Harbour Master (played by William Andrews)

Guest actors

A number of episodes feature guest actors in addition to the main characters and the nursery children. Terry Wogan made a guest appearance in one episode (The Game Show) as a television director. This episode also featured Greg Hemphill (Julie Wilson Nimmo's husband in real life) and John Altman, who plays Nick Cotton in the BBC soap opera EastEnders. Celebrity chef Keith Floyd was also seen in Suzie Sweet's song "Suzie's Cookin'".

Songs

In every episode, a selection of songs are played, each depends on the character.

Beginning in Series 3, a new selection of songs was introduced, although the original songs were still used on occasion (except for the Play Day song). Also, Penny Pocket and Suzie Sweet, who originally shared a song, were given standalone songs. Josie Jump's original song was redone with Kasia Haddad, who took over from Buki Akib as Josie; with one shot from Archie, and Suzie and Penny's original songs (along with most shots from Edie's original song) also being changed to accommodate this change. In addition, the Nursery song was given new verses, which were used interchangeably with the original.

All characters, except Miss Hoolie, sing the Coloured House song one at a time per episode. Penny and Suzie have sung this song both individually and together. Miss Hoolie only sang it once as a duet with Josie.

The songs were composed by Foster Paterson[5] and Paul Wilson.

  • What's the Story in Balamory?' – Title Theme [All 4 Series]
  • Which Coloured House Are We Going To? – Transition theme and instrumental version was used on final recap [All 4 Series]
  • Everybody Everyone – Miss Hoolie's Nursery theme [All 4 Series]
  • Everyone's at Home Today – Miss Hoolie's Play Day theme (Series 1–2)
  • Strike Up the Band – Miss Hoolie's Play Day theme (Series 3–4)
  • I'm Archie, the Inventor – Archie's theme [All 4 Series]
  • Great Inventions, Groovy Solutions – Archie's theme (Series 3–4)
  • Jump Up a Little Higher – Josie Jump's theme [All 4 Series]
  • Cheer You Up – Josie Jump's theme (Series 3–4)
  • When I Honk My Horn – Edie McCredie's theme [All 4 Series]
  • Let Me Take You on a Journey – Edie McCredie's theme (Series 3–4)
  • I'm PC Plum – PC Plum's theme (Series 1–3)
  • Follow the Clue – PC Plum's theme (Series 3–4)
  • Climbing Up My Musical Ladder – Spencer's theme [All 4 Series]
  • If You Need a Little Rhythm – Spencer's theme (Series 3–4)
  • I'm Suzie Sweet, I'm Penny Pocket – Suzie and Penny's theme [All 4 Series]
  • Suzie's Cookin' – Suzie's theme (Series 3–4)
  • Sort It – Penny's theme (Series 3–4)
  • What's the Story in Balamory?' (Instrumental) – End Credits Theme [All 4 Series]

Episode guide

Audience

The programme is aimed at pre-schoolers although often reached an older audience.[6] The show can also be seen in a humorous light. The characters in Balamory are somewhat naive and lighthearted. The storyline revolves around simple problems designed to challenge pre-schoolers' minds.

Production

The show was first confirmed to be in production on 20 November 2001, under the working title of Apple Cross before it was named Balamory in August 2002.[7] Producers wanted a title that rhymed with Tobermory, as well as a title that rhymed with Story.[8] An unaired test pilot named Applecross was filmed. No plotline is known, since the production was never released to the public.

Filming locations

Balamory was filmed mostly in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, with the exception of scenes at Archie's castle filmed in East Lothian, and other scenes such as the nursery and the Mainland City, which were filmed in Glasgow.

The nursery was part of North Glasgow College in Barmulloch for series 1 and 2, which was then knocked down. In series 3 and 4, the nursery was a custom-built set outside the BBC studios in Maryhill.

Cancellation

On 30 April 2005, the BBC announced that it would not order another season of the series, citing that it wanted to experiment and create more new programme ideas. The show continued to be repeated on CBeebies until 3 July 2016.[9] By then only the first two series, series 1 and 2 (except the last episode of series 2) respectively, continued to be repeated as the last two series, series 3 and 4, as well as the last episode of Series 2 could not be repeated due to licensing issues from 22 January 2010 onwards.

By the time the programme was cancelled, many of the cast were also keen to move on. Miles Jupp, who played Archie, stated that the fame from his role was causing problems in his comedy career, with parents taking their children to his standup routine at the Edinburgh Fringe on the presumption that it was age-appropriate. Julie Wilson Nimmo, who played Miss Hoolie, complained that she could not take her children to the local play area without being "mobbed."[10] Mary Riggans, who played Suzie Sweet, died in 2013.[11] Andrew Agnew, who played PC Plum, went on to work for Tattiemoon Productions and direct the children's TV show Me Too!, which shared similarities in concept with Balamory. Although set in Scotland, it is primarily set in a city rather than a coastal town.

Revival

On 17 September 2024, the BBC announced that the show would be revived for a two-season run of twenty episodes, and would premiere on CBeebies in 2026. The revival was announced to feature old and new characters, and would be filmed in Scotland like before, albeit it would be uncertain if it would be filmed in Tobermory like before.[12][13] On 28 January 2025, it was announced that under the BBC's "competitive tender" policy, the revival would be produced by All3Media subsidiary Lion Television Scotland.[3]

On 18 July 2025, the BBC officially announced that Nimmo, Agnew, Tserkezie and Cadzow would reprise their roles as Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Penny Pocket and Edie McCredie respectively. Three new cast members and their characters were also revealed; Danielle Jam as the scientist and inventor Ava Potts, William Andrews as the Harbour Master, and Carl Spencer as local veterinarian Dr Ollie.[4] Filming began at the end of the month, officially confirming that the revival would still be recorded in Tobermory.[14]

International airings

The series has been aired in many international territories. Such examples include Nickelodeon (Nick Jr.) in Australia, RTÉ in Ireland, BBC Kids in Canada, TVB in Hong Kong, and BBC Prime for most European territories.[15]

On 4 August 2005, BBC Worldwide Americas pre-sold US broadcast rights to thirty-nine episodes to Discovery Communications who also secured US merchandising rights. The series aired on Discovery Kids and TLC as part of their Ready Set Learn! strand.[16]

The series has been aired by the Dutch broadcaster TROS.

Merchandising

In 2005, BBC Worldwide announced that over twenty-one licensees were producing products based on the series.,[17] including Vivid Imaginations as the show's master toy partner, Ravensburger for wooden puzzles, Flair for wooden toys, Character World for bedding, and Trumark for tableware.[18][15]

Home media and streaming

In the United Kingdom, BBC Worldwide and later 2 Entertain released VHS and DVDs of the series, commonly focusing on a specific character or theme. One such volume was the show's debut release: "Mysteries with PC Plum". Released on 17 November 2003, it contained three/four episodes focusing on PC Plum.[19] The DVD topped the BBC's children's sales charts upon its release, selling 21,000 copies within its first week and becoming their best-selling new release title of the year.[20]

Another volume released for the series was "Seeking Santa", released on 7 November 2005, which contained a special direct-to-video Christmas episode of the same name, alongside an extended version of the Season 2 episode "The Snowflake Fairy".[21]

Other volumes for the series that were released over the year included "Archie's Inventions",[22] "Dancing Party",[23] "Panto and Other Stories",[23] "Jump with Josie",[24] "Daisy Bus Days",[25] "Games and Fun with Everyone"[26] , and a compilation containing the "Seeking Santa" and "Panto" DVDs.[27]

To celebrate the show's 20th anniversary, 25 episodes from Series 4 were added to BBC iPlayer on 30 August 2022, followed by a further 20 episodes approximately two years later.[28]

Software

On November 24, BBC Worldwide division BBC Multimedia announced that it would publish a PC CD-ROM title based on the series for 2004.[29]

Released on 27 February 2004, the CD-ROM contains a selection of minigames based on each of the show's characters.[1]

Live tours

On 24 June 2004, BBC Worldwide announced that a live arena tour based on the series: Balamory Live: What's the Story? would tour Aberdeen, Cardiff and Glasgow for the 2004 Christmas season. It was co-produced with DC Entertainment.[30]

On 29 April 2005, a second arena tour was announced by BBC Worldwide as a farewell to the series: Balamory Live: Strike Up the Band, which toured the UK during the autumn of 2005.[31] The show's cast reprised their roles except for Julie Wilson Nimmo, who due to being on maternity leave expecting a child, was replaced with Michele Gallagher as Miss Hoolie.[32]

Awards

  • Best Pre-school Live Action Series (nominated) at the 2003 BAFTA Children's Awards.[33]
  • Best Pre-school Live Action Series (won) at the 2004 BAFTA Children's Awards.[34]
  • Best Pre-school Live Action Series (nominated) at the 2005 BAFTA Children's Awards.[35]

References

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  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  13. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  14. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  15. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  24. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  25. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  26. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  27. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  28. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  29. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  30. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  31. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  32. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  33. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  34. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  35. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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External links

Template:CBeebies programming

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