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Extra.ie
5 days ago
- Health
- Extra.ie
Teens budgeting for cocaine alongside gowns and suits for Debs celebrations
As part of their end-of-school-year celebrations, some teenagers are now including the cost of cocaine alongside traditional Debs expenses like dresses and suits. Latest reports suggest that teens are choosing cocaine over alcohol as their drug of choice during their Debs night out. Journalist with the Irish Farmers Journal Jacqueline Hogge decided to investigate this growing trend and spoke to Andrea Gillian on Lunchtime Live on Newstalk. Pic: Getty Images Jacqueline spoke to a bus driver who has ferried hundreds of teenagers to their Debs parties over the years, and he claims cocaine use among leaving cert age teenagers is getting more and more common. 'He's been bringing young people to events for the last three or four years and he says the first time he was cleaning the bus after an event, he found 10 to 12 wraps, didn't know what they were and had to be told it was from the cocaine.' Jacqueline Hogge continued that while cocaine use is not a problem at every school or with every child, she suspects that 'normally three or four that are causing the trouble'. Pic: Getty Images 'Where there is money, there is cocaine', she added. 'With young girls in particular, they see it as a body image thing – it's less calorific than alcohol'. Pic: Getty Images A leading addiction therapist claimed back in 2020 that the teenagers going to their Debs, or Graduation Balls, are now factoring in how much money they will need to keep themselves in cocaine for the night. Michael Guerin, from the addiction charity Cuan Mhuire says he was told this by a number of concerned parents and older siblings who are already in rehab a number of years ago. 'We have clients who started using cocaine aged 13. They're in their early 20s now, and telling us that they took cocaine that young and it had a huge psychological effect'. Michael Guerin says cocaine is now as much a part of the Debs ritual as all the other trappings, like the expensive dresses and suits, hair-styles, nails, and makeup, and he says it's becoming a very very, concerning trend. Pic: Getty images A report from the Health Research Board revealed a 50% surge in the number of people seeking treatment for cocaine addiction, making this the largest annual increase in what has been a growing issue over the past seven years. Michael Guerin adds 'That report only supports what professionals have been saying for the last two years — that cocaine is taking on a life of its own,'. Cocaine plays havoc with your mood. And when it's in the mix with adolescence, which is already a trying time, it can be disastrous. They become obsessed with cocaine to the cost of everything else, including their education.' However, despite being linked with violence, the drug is now widely perceived to be 'relatively harmless and fashionable', said Mr Guerin. 'It seems to be relatively easy to access and there's a status with it,' he said. 'Cocaine is now part of the mix with cannabis and alcohol abuse'. But this new worrying trend of 17 and 18 year old's budgeting for cocaine as part of their final night out with friends from schoo is a disastrous addition to an already worrying time for parents. With leaving cert results due out in August and the Debs season already underway, parents of graduating teens will need to have nerves of steel to handle this newest development during the whole 'leaving cert' party season ahead.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
BBC officially reveals which beloved Balamory icons will return for reboot
MUCH-LOVED BBC kids' show Balamory is back - and a whole host of original stars are returning too. Twenty years on from its last showing, 3 Balamory is returning to screens after 20 years away Credit: BBC Favourites reprising their roles include Kate Morton , Head of Commissioning 0-6 for BBC Children's and Education, said: '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.' The new series will consist of a mix of stories, comedy , songs and adventures, all set in the colourful fictional town of Balamory. READ MORE ON BALAMORY Brand new characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts (Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews) and local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer). 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. The new episodes are due to air next year. The children's TV series originally aired on the BBC from 2002 to 2005, with 253 episodes being made across four series. Most read in News TV The willingness of the old guard to return was evident when Agnew told the Lunchtime Live programme last year: "If they ask me to go back then I'll absolutely be there with bells on, I'm sure. "But at the moment we're all just getting excited at the fact that it's happening. Iconic 00s CBeebies stars unrecognisable as they tease return of legendary show Balamory "I don't think it would be same if we weren't involved in it." While co-star Nimmo joked to the "I seriously think this is bigger than the Oasis reunion. " One old face who doesn't appear to be returning is Rodd Christensen, who played Spencer. After Balamory ended, Rodd remained with the BBC and presented a series called 'Talkie Time' on CBeebies. He also hosted his own show titled Counting With Rodd that aimed to teach children about maths and numbers. Rodd, now 58, quit fame and was briefly a bus driver for Stagecoach before moving to Las Vegas. Though he shunned the limelight, his daughter made headlines when it was revealed she was a porn star. Raylin Joy, who lives in LA, said she got into porn "for the giggles". 3 Some familiar faces are reprising their roles Credit: BBC 3 One old face who doesn't appear to be returning is Rodd Christensen, who played Spencer Credit: Richard Wilkins
Scottish Sun
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC officially reveals which beloved Balamory icons will return for reboot
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) MUCH-LOVED BBC kids' show Balamory is back - and a whole host of original stars are returning too. Twenty years on from its last showing, Balamory has been commissioned for two series each consisting of ten 14-minute episodes. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Balamory is returning to screens after 20 years away Credit: BBC Favourites reprising their roles include Julie Wilson Nimmo (Miss Hoolie), Andrew Agnew (PC Plum), Kim Tserkezie (Penny Pocket) and Juliet Cadzow (Edie McCredie). Kate Morton, Head of Commissioning 0-6 for BBC Children's and Education, said: '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.' The new series will consist of a mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures, all set in the colourful fictional town of Balamory. Brand new characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts (Danielle Jam), the Harbour Master (William Andrews) and local vet Dr Ollie (Carl Spencer). 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. The new episodes are due to air next year. The children's TV series originally aired on the BBC from 2002 to 2005, with 253 episodes being made across four series. The willingness of the old guard to return was evident when Agnew told the Lunchtime Live programme last year: "If they ask me to go back then I'll absolutely be there with bells on, I'm sure. "But at the moment we're all just getting excited at the fact that it's happening. Iconic 00s CBeebies stars unrecognisable as they tease return of legendary show Balamory "I don't think it would be same if we weren't involved in it." While co-star Nimmo joked to the Daily Record: "I seriously think this is bigger than the Oasis reunion." One old face who doesn't appear to be returning is Rodd Christensen, who played Spencer. After Balamory ended, Rodd remained with the BBC and presented a series called 'Talkie Time' on CBeebies. He also hosted his own show titled Counting With Rodd that aimed to teach children about maths and numbers. Rodd, now 58, quit fame and was briefly a bus driver for Stagecoach before moving to Las Vegas. Though he shunned the limelight, his daughter made headlines when it was revealed she was a porn star. Raylin Joy, who lives in LA, said she got into porn "for the giggles". 3 Some familiar faces are reprising their roles Credit: BBC
Metro
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Children's TV icon announces return to series reboot after 20 years
A legend of British children's TV has confirmed that he'll be reprising his iconic role from one of the best-loved kids shows of the last 20 years. Andrew Agnew, who played PC Plum in Balamory between 2002 and 2005, will be stepping back into his old costume for the planned reboot, coming in 2026. Balamory, which ran for four seasons and more than 200 episodes, was the Scottish kids' TV show that defined a generation with its memorable 'What's the Story?' theme tune and picturesque setting. Filmed in the town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull – one of the largest of the Inner Hebrides islands in Scotland – Balamory followed the lives of the small fictional island community who lived in the titular village. In September 2024, it was confirmed that Balamory would be returning with brand new episodes in 2026, with BBC bosses setting the official revival date. Ever since, speculation has been rife as to whether its lead stars Andrew, Julie Wilson Nimmo, and Miles Jupp, among others, would be coming back for another go. Now Andrew has confirmed that he'd be well up for producing more stories from Balamory, returning to the role of Balamory's local police officer PC Plum. He told BBC Radio Scotland's Lunchtime Live that he'd be more than eager to get back to Tobermory for more filming when production resumes in the near future. 'If they ask me to go back then I'll absolutely be there with bells on, I'm sure. But at the moment we're all just getting excited at the fact that it's happening. I don't think it would be same if we weren't involved in it.' Andrew's recent comments echo those of Julie's too, who simply said 'Yup' when asked by a fan of the show if she'd be coming back as Miss Hoolie, Balamory's nursery teacher. Joking that Balamory's anticipated return was 'bigger than the Oasis reunion', Julie made it clear that any future episodes of the children's show would involve her. Head of children's TV at the BBC, Kate Morton, revealed the news in 2024: '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.' More Trending While some of the old cast appear to be returning, there's also the question of whether a reboot calls for some original and newly developed characters. And while many fans would love of whether production will return to the beautiful Isle of Mull, which has a population of approximately 3,000 people. View More » Watch episodes of Balamory on BBC iPlayer. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Toby Jones reveals disappointing update for BBC series hailed 'one of the best' MORE: BBC addresses fury after legendary band's final ever show wasn't filmed at Glastonbury MORE: BBC Play School presenter Donald Macdonald dies aged 86
The Irish Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Balamory legend confirms return to reboot of classic BBC series
A BALAMORY legend has confirmed their return for the reboot of the classic BBC series. The children's TV series originally aired on the BBC from 2002 to 2005, with 253 episodes being made across four series. 5 A Balamory legend has confirmed their return for the reboot of the BBC series Credit: BBC 5 The children's TV series originally aired on the BBC from 2002 to 2005 Credit: BBC 5 Former stars Andrew Agnew and Julie Wilson Nimmo spoke about the reboot last year Credit: Rex In September last year, the Speculation was immediately rife over whether Andrew told the Lunchtime Live programme at the time: "If they ask me to go back then I'll absolutely be there with bells on, I'm sure. "But at the moment we're all just getting excited at the fact that it's happening. Read More on Balamory "I don't think it would be same if we weren't involved in it." And it seems BBC bosses agreed, as Julie has now confirmed she is returning as Miss Hoolie. A fan of the show asked: "Are you going to be in Balamory reboot?" and Julie replied with a simple: "Yup". Julie had previously admitted the show's return was "the craziest and best news ever" in an interview with the Daily Record. Most read in News TV And she quipped: "I seriously think this is bigger than the Oasis reunion." A total of 20 14-minute episodes have been ordered to air throughout 2026 on CBeebies. Julie Wilson Nimmo plays Miss Hoolie in CBeebies series Balamory Kate Morton , the channel's head of commissioning 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.' 5 Now Julie has confirmed she will be back as Miss Hoolie Credit: BBC 5 The actress replied to a fan's question on Instagram about the reboot Balamory is available on BBC iPlayer .
