BALAMORY: FIRST LOOK IMAGES AND LAUNCH DATE CONFIRMED FOR BBC REBOOT OF CLASSIC CHILDREN'S SERIES

The BBC’s iconic children’s television programme Balamory returns to screens this month, with the brand-new series launching on CBeebies and iPlayer on Monday 20 April.

The BBC has unveiled first look images offering a vibrant glimpse of the island community, the familiar faces of its much-loved residents, as well as some new faces, all ready to welcome a new generation of young viewers.

Warm, colourful and full of curiosity, the new series retains the heart and humour that made Balamory a household favourite, while introducing refreshed storytelling and playful adventures. The lovable community of quirky characters celebrate each day with rainbow-coloured comic adventures, filled with songs, friendship and fun.

Miss Hoolie runs the Balamory Nursery with warmth, humour and endless enthusiasm. Playful and creative, she loves joining in with the children’s games, whether role playing dinosaurs, singing songs or teaching a Highland jig. Beyond the classroom she’s deeply rooted in the island’s history and culture, often sharing stories and traditions. A calm, steadying presence for the community, she is especially close to PC Plum, celebrating his quirks with fondness.

Balamory’s friendly police officer PC Plum takes his role very seriously, despite the fact there’s no real crime on the island. His tidy but chaotic station reflects his love of nature, curiosities and lost property. With a childlike sense of wonder and a knack for leaping to the wrong conclusion, PC Plum brings slapstick charm to every episode, whether forming a one-man-band or hunting for imaginary volcanoes.

Penny runs Balamory’s bustling shop and café while juggling an impressive list of side hustles, from sports coaching to party planning. Energetic, upbeat and endlessly capable, she’s a pillar of the community with a warm, maternal streak. Her competitive side occasionally leads her astray, but her generosity and spirit always win out. Penny is full of surprises too, with secret talents and unexpected hobbies that surface just when they’re needed.

Following in the footsteps of her father, Archie, Ava is Balamory’s resident inventor. Her workshop is a treasure trove of repurposed household items, from colanders to yoghurt pots, transformed into ingenious yet delightfully unnecessary creations. Brilliant, imaginative and sometimes too quick for her own good, Ava’s inventions bring visual comedy and heart to the island. Beneath her confidence is a touch of fragility, making her perseverance both relatable and uplifting.

Dr Ollie combines veterinary expertise with a love of storytelling, music and theatre. His surgery is home to a lively menagerie of animals, including Euan the elephant, whose trunk regularly steals the show. A devoted father to Bonnie and Hamish, he often pops into the nursery to entertain the children with animal facts, songs and impressions. Though clever and capable, his whirlwind mind can lead to amusing fluster and comic confusion.

Edie runs her own delivery service and can appear anywhere on Balamory, parcel in hand. A skilled mechanic and seasoned traveller, she also captains her beloved boat, the Sea Dasher. Wise, warm and quietly authoritative, Edie acts as a modern grandparent figure; active, curious and always ready with advice or a witty aside. She delights in the island’s oddities and occasionally joins its more eccentric adventures.

Responsible for keeping the harbour running smoothly, the Harbourmaster is a magnet for slapstick mishaps, usually involving an unexpected splash. With an expressive face and comic physicality, he brings lively humour to the quay, whether tangled in nets or popping into Penny’s café. His good natured rivalry with PC Plum offers some of the series’ funniest moments.

Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies says: “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. 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 returns Monday 20th April on BBC iPlayer.