Balamory commissioned for two more series after 'incredibly special' success of reboot
Balamory returned to the BBC in April after 20 years
Children’s TV show Balamory has been commissioned for a further two series - weeks after its long-awaited return more than 20 years after it first captivated preschool audiences.
Balamory, set in a fictional Scottish town and filmed on location in Tobermory, the capital of the Isle of Mull and in a Glasgow studio, returned to the BBC earlier this year. It originally ran between 2002 and 2005.
The BBC said the recommission for series three and four comes as the first episode of the new series, titled One- Man Band, launched to 1.5 million viewers in 28 days, making it the biggest new CBeebies episode of 2026 so far.
The new series features a number of new characters, as well as Miss Hoolie, played by actor Julie Wilson Nimmo and PC Plum, played by Andrew Agnew.
On set during filming of the first series of the reboot, Ms Wilson Nimmo told The Scotsman she had never expected the show to return.
Balamory, produced for the BBC by Lion Television Scotland, an All3Media company, focuses on community, kindness and problem solving. The BBC said these themes have resonated strongly with audiences.
Kate Morton, senior head of commissioning for CBeebies, said: “Balamory has always been about community, creativity and helping children understand the world around them. Seeing it return and connect so strongly with audiences, both those discovering it for the first time and those who remember it so fondly, has been incredibly special.
“This recommission is a testament to the enduring power of children’s media make lasting memories and promote kindness, inclusion and togetherness.”
Lisa Hazlehurst, head of Lion Television Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to be able to dream up more adventures for the Balamory gang following the wonderful response to the reboot. At Lion Scotland we believe there is something truly magical about seeing real people sharing adventures in one of the most beautiful settings on the planet.
“Balamory reminds children that kindness and teamwork can solve even the trickiest problems with a little imagination and a healthy dollop of humour. We should all be a bit more Balamory.”
The crew for the new series of Balamory returned to Mull to utilise some of the same locations used in the original series, also premiering the first episode of the show in a special screening on the island.
During filming for the news series, Miss Hoolie’s iconic green house in Tobermoray went on the market. Meanwhile, other exterior sets were used across Scotland, including inventor Archie’s castle - which now belongs to his daughter Ava - which is actually Fenton Tower in East Lothian.
The 16th century fortified tower is around 20 miles away from Edinburgh, between Gullane and North Berwick with the site dating back to the 11th century.
Balamory is available now on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. Series two of the show will air later this year.
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