Balamory Revival: Julie Wilson Nimmo Shares Emotional Return as Miss Hoolie
Julie Wilson Nimmo returned to Tobermory to film the opening scene of the new Balamory revival. She felt emotional shooting the same waterfront spot two decades after the original series began in 2002. The location is the real-life town whose colourful houses doubled as Balamory.
A personal homecoming
Wilson Nimmo was 29 when she first played Miss Hoolie. She had a seven-month-old son, Benny, with her then. Her parents also travelled to Mull for that shoot.
Now 53, she filmed the identical moment again for CBeebies. A producer reassured her about age and representation behind the camera. She says the return has been meaningful for her family.
Benny is now 24 and married to actor Greg Hemphill. Her younger son, Chevy, is 20. Chevy’s godfather is Andrew Agnew, who returns as PC Plum.
Production, episodes and release
The reboot comprises two new series of ten episodes each. Filming took place in Tobermory and in a Glasgow studio. The show returns on 20 April on CBeebies and iPlayer.
The nursery set moved to a larger studio in Glasgow. There is an added outdoor space and episode-specific wall art. A nod to the original appears as Miss Hoolie’s green striped cardigan in a see-through cupboard.
Cast returns and new additions
Several original cast members rejoin the project. Andrew Agnew returns as PC Plum, Kim Tserkezie plays Penny Pocket, and Juliet Cadzow is Edie McCredie. The team stayed in touch and use a WhatsApp group.
New faces include the Harbour Master, played by William Andrews, and vet Dr Ollie, played by Carl Spencer. Danielle Jam appears as scientist-inventor Ava Potts. Her character follows in the footsteps of Miles Jupp’s Archie.
Penny now runs the village shop and café, renamed Penny’s. Her new colour is red, offered as a tribute to Suzie Sweet and the late Mary Riggans.
Character changes and continuity
Miss Hoolie’s wardrobe has been updated. Practical trainers and trousers replace the A-line skirt, and her hair now shows soft waves. Despite changes, the character’s warmth and dedication to the nursery remain intact.
On set, Wilson Nimmo is addressed only as Miss Hoolie. That helps three-to-five-year-old children stay convinced they are visiting a real nursery. She also stays in character when meeting young fans.
Roots and career notes
Wilson Nimmo trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama from age 17. She credits a former English teacher, Miss White, as inspiration for Miss Hoolie. The teacher helped build her confidence as a performer.
After Balamory ended in 2005, she worked in theatre and in the comedy Scot Squad. Today she lives in Elie, Fife, and teaches yoga and cold-water therapy in her spare time.
Thematic aims and audience
The team hopes the revival will attract both new viewers and nostalgic adults. The producers aim for short, human-led stories that promote kindness and diversity. The show also intentionally showcases science, maths and engineering through Ava Potts’ character.
Danielle Jam says her role seeks to inspire children interested in STEM. The series aims to spark imagination and show children that varied futures are possible.
Filmogaz.com will follow the Balamory revival closely as it reaches screens on 20 April. Fans can watch on CBeebies and stream episodes on iPlayer.
