They were much loved characters enjoyed by a generation of children around the world.
Now the BBC has revealed that many of the original cast of Scottish hit Balamory will revive their roles when the show returns to screens next year.
The popular programme, which was filmed in Tobermory, on the island of Mull, was cancelled in 2005 after four series and 254 episodes.
But famous characters including nursery teacher Miss Hoolie, PC Plum, shopkeeper Penny Pocket and bus driver Edie McCredie are expected to delight a new generation of young fans when they return in the CBeebies reboot in 2026.
The programme, which features a nursery school in a small island community, is also expected to welcome a host of new characters for a ‘joyful mix of stories, comedy, songs and adventures’.
BBC children’s commissioner Kate Morton 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.’
Described as a ‘soap opera’ for toddlers, the show, at its height, attracted two million viewers a week in Britian and gained 15million fans around the world. Even the Vatican received it on the BBC Prime Channel.
Now 20 years on Julie Wilson Nimmo will return as nursery teacher Miss Hoolie along with some of the other original characters.
The original cast of Balamory in 2002 included Miles Jupp as Archie, Buki Akib as Josie Jump, Andrew Agnew as PC Plum, Julie Wilson Nimmo as Ms Hoolie and Rodd Christensen as Spencer plus Kim Tserkezie as Penny Pocket and Mary Riggans as Suzie Sweet
Some familiar faces will return to Balamory as the series reboots next year with Juliet Cadzow, Andrew Agnew, Julie Wilson Nimmo and Kim Tserkezie back in business while newcomers Carl Spencer and Danielle Jam will join as Dr Ollie and Ava Potts
Balamory is filmed in Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull
Andrew Agnew will revive his role as PC Plum, while Kim Tserkezie will be back as Penny Pocket and Juliet Cadzow as Edie McCredie.
New characters include scientist and inventor Ava Potts, played by Danielle Jam, local vet Dr Ollie, played by Carl Spencer, and William Andrews as the harbour master.
It is understood that original characters including Spencer the painter, Josie Jump, as well as shopkeeper Suzie Sweet, played by the late Mary Riggans, who passed away in her sleep at home in 2013 a year after suffering a stroke, will not be returning to the show.
Ms Morton added: ‘This vibrant new series will delight both children and the grown-ups who remember it fondly.’
Filming is expected to take place in a studio in Glasgow as well as on location in Tobermory, which experienced a huge rise in tourism as a result of the original show.
Originally produced from 2002 to 2005, Balamory was broadcast around the world, becoming a hit with young audiences in Europe, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada and South Africa.
Its fame saw visitors flood to the island in their thousands to see the site of PC Plum’s rounds, and the tourist office was swamped with calls.
The BBC said the revival would continue its tradition of home-grown storytelling about the much-loved nursery school and island community that surrounds it.
The programme has been commissioned for two new series, produced by Lion Television Scotland, with 10 episodes in each.
