GRANGE HILL: BBC REPORTEDLY DEVELOPING REBOOT OF CLASSIC CHILDREN'S DRAMA

The BBC are reportedly developing a reboot of classic children's school-based drama Grange Hill, according to The Sun newspaper. The show ran from 1978-2008 with over 600 episodes produced.

A source told the tabloid: "[Grange Hill] has huge scope to be refashioned to deal with topics that chime with today’s youngsters - from trans issues to online trolling. Many of these weren’t problems when Grange Hill was first on our screens, so it’s likely to look and feel very different..."

Meanwhile, the original stars of Balamory, Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie) are set to reprise their roles when the revamped series airs next year on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer.

The new series will blend familiar faces with a host of new characters, offering preschoolers a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures. At its heart remains the charming fictional town of Balamory and its lively inhabitants, where brightly-coloured houses cluster around a scenic harbour and life revolves around the nursery school and its caring teacher.

Brand new characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts (played by Danielle Jam), local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer) who lives with his two children and the Harbour Master (William Andrews).

Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory became a staple of early childhood entertainment. Now, more than two decades later, it’s being lovingly reimagined for today’s families, retaining its original spirit while introducing fresh elements to captivate young viewers. Filming will take place both in studio in Glasgow and on location in Tobermory, the real-life Isle of Mull town that inspired the show’s iconic setting.

Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning 0-6 for BBC Children’s and Education says: “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.”

More details on both will be announced in due course.