Everything you need to know about Balamory

Did you hear there’s a colourful new series of Balamory coming to CBeebies? Find out everything you need to know about the new series and if you’re a fan of the original series, see if you recognise some familiar places and faces.

Hop on board and say hello to the new series of Balamory on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer! Featuring some familiar faces as well as new characters, the new series will once again offer children a joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures.

Older viewers and parents may already recognise original stars who will be returning to their original roles, including nursery teacher Miss Hoolie, police officer PC Plum, shop owner Penny Pocket and bus driver Edie McCredie. The new series will also introduce new characters, scientist and inventor Ava Potts, the Harbour Master and local vet Dr Ollie who lives with his two children.

Test your knowledge on all things Balamory with these fun quizzes.

✨ How much do you remember about the original series? Take the Balamory nostalgia quiz!

✨ Try Miss Hoolie's pre-school quiz with your little one.

Are you ready to feel nostalgic? Balamory was a much-loved children's TV show that originally aired from 2002 to 2005. Set in the fictional village of Balamory in Scotland, the programme was hugely popular for its colourful houses, friendly characters and educational storylines.

Ahead of the release of the brand-new series of Balamory, it is the perfect opportunity for parents to introduce little ones to their favourite characters and the iconic theme tune!

From Miss Hoolie to Josie Jump, everyone has their favourite Balamory character. Find out more about why we love them and what make them special.

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!

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.

Balamory’s friendly police officer 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.

🧡 The Harbourmaster

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.

💓 Ava Potts

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

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.

Whilst these Balamory friends aren't returning for the brand-new series, we have fond memories of their adventures on the island.

💛 Josie Jump

Josie lived in the yellow house and always had lots of energy. She loved to hop, skip, jump and dance.

🧡 Spencer the Painter

Spencer was a very talented artist and responsible for painting the houses in Balamory. He lived in the orange house and liked to create music.

🩷 Archie the Inventor

Archie lived in the pink castle in Balamory. He loved to invent useful things using household items like boxes, string and bottles. He often showed his inventions to the children at the nursery.

Balamory was filmed in a town called Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in Scotland. You can still find the iconic colourful houses along the harbour!

You can watch the original Balamory on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer now. Get excited for brand-new Balamory coming to BBC iPlayer on 20 April 2026.