BBC Balamory producers seek out Scots kids to star in hit show's reboot 20 years on
Balamory producers have launched a casting call for Scots kids to star in the hit show as they prepare for its return after 20 years. The CBeebies show, which aired from 2002 until 2005, was based on a fictional pastel-hued island community and residents such as Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, Josie Jump, Edie McCredie and Archie the inventor.
The Bafta-winning series, which was originally filmed in the colourful town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, had 15million devotees worldwide and attracted two million viewers a week in Britain. And now its creators are looking for youngsters aged between four and five years old "from all backgrounds and abilities" to be a part of the show, which is set to hit screens next year.
Cerebral Palsy Scotland shared the appeal from Lion TV on Facebook, saying: "We're sharing a fun, inclusive TV opportunity from a production filming in accessible spaces in Glasgow this summer (July–Sept 2025)!
"They're looking for 4–5 year olds from all backgrounds and abilities to take part – no scripts, just natural reactions and a bit of fun (maybe even a song).
"Casting sessions will be held in nurseries or informal meetups with families."
Balamory was broadcast around the world, becoming a hit with young audiences in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and South Africa and became famous for its catchy songs.
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The programme was cancelled after four seasons and 254 episodes, but the BBC announced in September that it has commissioned two new series, which will begin airing in 2026.
Julie Wilson Nimmo, who played Miss Hoolie, declared the return of the show would be "bigger than the Oasis reunion".
She said: "Everyone I know loves the show and has been missing it.'
In January, following a tender process, Lion Television Scotland, an All3Media company, secured the contract to produce the return of the show.
BBC Children's and Education said the new programmes would be filmed in Scotland, either in Tobermory or possibly another Scottish location such as Rothesay on the Isle of Bute.
Kate Morton, head of commissioning 0-6, said: 'A whole new generation will discover and enjoy Balamory as we bring families together with this new update for CBeebies.
"It will be a real treat for parents who grew up with the show to now introduce their little ones to the brightly coloured world getting to know a host of old and new characters together.'
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