Balamory, which first aired in 2002 but was cancelled three years later, is making its grand return with some familiar faces returning alongside new ones.

The revival series, once again set in Scotland, was announced by the BBC in 2024 and is now set to air.

CBeebies series Balamory returns today for 2026 revival

Balamory was one of the most popular children’s shows of the early 2000s.

The story centres on a fictional small island community off the west coast of Scotland, dealing with community residents and their issues.

It celebrates friendship, co-operation and the importance of supporting one another, encouraging young people to think about how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.

The programme became famous for its catchy theme tune, which began with the line: “What’s the story in Balamory, wouldn’t you like to know?”

In 2022, the BBC celebrated 20 years of Balamory by uploading episodes of the programme to BBC iPlayer.

The two new series, which will include some of the original characters, will consist of 10 episodes each.

Balamory returns tomorrow.

Here is a sneak peek at the new titles! pic.twitter.com/tsMRpteF40

— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) April 19, 2026

Who is returning in the new Balamory series?

The BBC shared a first look at the return of the Scottish children’s programme earlier this month.

The new series “retains the heart and humour that made Balamory a household favourite, while introducing refreshed storytelling and playful adventures”, the BBC said.

It adds: “The lovable community of quirky characters celebrate each day with rainbow-coloured comic adventures, filled with songs, friendship and fun.”

There are four returning characters that fans of the original series will recognise, these are:

• Julie Wilson Nimmo – Miss Hoolie
• Andrew Agnew – PC Plum
• Juliet Cadzow – Edie McCredie
• Kim Tserkezie – Penny Pocket

New characters are Danielle Jam as scientist and inventor Ava Potts, Carl Spencer as vet Dr Ollie and William Andrews as The Harbourmaster.

4 of the original cast are back for the Balamory revival with 3 new ones joining (Image: BBC)

How to watch the original Balamory episodes

There were more than 200 episodes of the original series, some of which can be watched on BBC iPlayer.

It was filmed in a town called Tobermory on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.

On the revival, Kate Morton, Senior Head of Commissioning for CBeebies, said: “Balamory holds a very special place in the hearts of families across the UK, so bringing it back after 21 years has been a real joy.

“It’s wonderful to welcome back beloved characters like Miss Hoolie, PC Plum and Penny Pocket, who have shaped so many childhoods, while also introducing a new generation of Balamory residents who bring fresh energy, humour and heart to the island.

“The spirit of curiosity, creativity and community that defined the original series remains at the core of this new chapter, and we can’t wait for young viewers and their grown‑ups to rediscover the magic of Balamory together.”

Recommended reading:

How to watch the new series of Balamory

The Balamory revival series will air today, Monday, April 20.

It will be broadcast on CBeebies at 5pm, with all 10 episodes available on BBC iPlayer the same day.

Did you watch Balamory as a child? Let us know in the comments.

The county’s police say an alleged assault on a woman in The Buck Inn at Whitby took place at about 11.40pm on Saturday (April 18).

Recommended reading:

A force spokesman said: “The suspect, a 39-year-old man, was arrested nearby and later bailed with conditions while further enquires continue.

“The woman did not require any medical attention.

“We’re appealing for members of the public who witnessed the incident to come forward and give a statement.

“Please email sarah.roberts@northyorkshire.police.uk if you have any information that could help our investigation.

“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Sarah Roberts, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”

Please quote reference 12260069821 when passing on information.

Ivy Rose Smith, four, who is originally from Saltburn, and now living in Redcar, was diagnosed with life limiting condition, Leigh Syndrome, on April 15 2025.

The condition is a rare and severe genetic neurodegenerative disorder that mainly affects infants, causing rapid loss of motor and cognitive skills, breathing problems and muscle weakness.

Life expectancy is often limited to three to five years.

Ivy Rose Smith, four, from Saltburn was diagnosed with rare Leighs syndrome last year (Image: FAMILY)

Ivy, who is well known in the Saltburn area, has recently moved with her family to Redcar so they could find a home better suited to her needs.

Her grandmother, Suzanne Dickinson, 59, said the anniversary of Ivy’s diagnosis was particularly difficult and inspired the family to focus on making the most of their time together.

And so, she set up a post on a Facebook page dedicated to sharing Ivy’s story with a bucket list of things she has always wanted to do- and within 24 hours, all were organised for the family, meaning they have a busy year of memory making ahead.

Ivy and her nana Suzanne (Image: FAMILY)

Ivy lives with her mum, Melissa Smith, 39, and dad Patrick Smith, and has a 17-year-old brother, Oliver Smith.

The family say they are focused on making the most of every moment together that they have left with Ivy while also raising awareness of the condition.

Ivy and her mum Melissa (Image: FAMILY)

Speaking on behalf of the family, her nana, Suzanne Dickinson, said: “She was born healthy and normal, and we had no worries.

“It wasn’t until around the year and a half mark that we realised she wasn’t hitting milestones as she was expected to be doing.

“She was then unwell with covid and lost some of the skills she did have, such as standing and taking a few steps, and she went back to crawling, and that’s when more tests were arranged.

“We had to wait a while for results to come back, but we were aware at this point of mitochondrial conditions and were hoping for the best case scenario for Ivy.”

Ivy Rose Smith, four, from Saltburn was diagnosed with rare Leighs syndrome last year (Image: FAMILY)

“Unfortunately, we found out that she had Leighs which is one of the worst ones, and we were all just devastated for her.

“But she is such a little fighter and just so determined to do everything herself, she doesn’t let it stop her.

“She now has an NG tube fitted to feed her so she has gained some weight and strength and is currently able to use her walker.”

From top to bottom Aunty Sophie, Aunty Emily, mum Melissa, nana Suzanne and Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

Suzanne added: “The year anniversary of the diagnosis hit me hard, and that’s what made me think we just need to try and make as many memories as we can with Ivy, so she always has something to look forward to, to fulfil life as much as we can for her.

“She is an absolute blessing. People always stop and are drawn to her. She is adorable, strong willed and determined.

“When I posted her bucket list on Facebook, I wasn’t expecting really anything to come of it, just hoping people had contacts or mates rates for some things, as it is not cheap.”

The family on some of the adventures they have already completed with Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

“There will be a time that she is not with us, and I don’t want her life to just come and go. I want something lasting, and that’s why we are trying to fundraise and raise awareness for her.

“The bucket list has now all been arranged, so we have a lot planned, such as a motorhome holiday, Flamingo Land, CBeebies world, Lap land, she is even the mascot for the Middlesbrough last game of the season, which will be special.

“I can’t thank everyone who has shared her story or helped fulfil her bucket list enough. We are just so grateful for the opportunities to give us more memories with Ivy.”

The family on some of the adventures they have already completed with Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

Ivy Rose Smith, four, from Saltburn was diagnosed with rare Leighs syndrome last year (Image: FAMILY)

The family on some of the adventures they have already completed with Ivy (Image: FAMILY)

Leigh syndrome is a rare genetic condition that mainly affects the nervous system. Symptoms usually appear in infancy or early childhood.

Common symptoms include:

• Loss of previously learned skills such as sitting, walking or talking
• Weak muscles and poor movement control
• Breathing problems
• Difficulty feeding or swallowing
• Poor growth or weight gain
• Seizures
• Vision or hearing problems
• Extreme tiredness or low energy

These symptoms occur because the condition affects the body’s mitochondria, which produce energy for cells, particularly in the brain and muscles.

Easter break is over, but many British holidaymakers are still heading off on their spring-time trips

Thousands of passengers pass through Manchester Airport every day, with more than 1,000 flights arriving and departing daily, connecting Manchester to more than 200 destinations.

With summer just around the corner, we will soon be entering one of the busiest periods for travel. Over Easter break, which has just come to an end, many families across the UK have jetted off to get some spring-time sunshine, making it a busy time for air travel

While the travel industry is nearing its peak season for the year, airports have been facing significant disruption over recent weeks and months.

Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East which started at the end of February has caused flights to be delayed and cancelled. Some tourists have even been left stranded in faraway places for days.

Major airlines which operate within the affected region, such as Emirates and Etihad, have now resumed flights. However, the Foreign Office guidance still advises against all but essential travel to the United Arab Emirates.

Despite the uncertainty, travel agents report that Brits are still keen to go on holiday abroad and the appetite for travel remains strong.

Below are the latest delayed (by more than 30 minutes) and cancelled flights from Manchester Airport today (Monday, 20 April) according to FlightRadar24.com, as of 8.30am.

Delayed flights

• 8:15am Qatar Airways flight QR22 to Doha – estimated departure 9:25am

Cancelled flights

• 8:40am Aer Lingus flight EI3611 to Belfast

A caption on the post read: “Last night, another Jewish synagogue in London was firebombed, this time in Kenton. This is the third such attack in as many days, and also comes after the recent ambulance arson attack and a supposed drone threat against the Israeli embassy in London this week.

On the ground floor, its accommodation comprises an entrance hall off which is a shower room, plus the kitchen and sitting room, which are part open-plan to the rear.

The kitchen is home to modern units with quartz worktops, a range of appliances and a larder cupboard, and has both a central island with a breakfast bar and ample space for a dining table.

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Adjoining the kitchen is a snug with a striking cylinder log-burning stove with copper surround and sliding French doors that flood the room with natural light and make it a perfect indoor-outdoor living space.

The sitting room has another log-burning stove set within a copper surround and opens into the conservatory, a wonderful space featuring marble flooring and overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden.

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Completing the ground floor are a fitted utility room with a door to the garage and rear garden.

This space has been used as a home office but lends itself to a variety of other uses.

Upstairs are the family bathroom with a Jacuzzi bath and a walk-in rainfall shower plus four bedrooms, three of which are generous doubles.

The master bedroom has an en-suite shower room, while the smaller of the other bedrooms has been converted into a dressing room.

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

The property sits in beautifully maintained landscaped gardens featuring a Spanish-effect paved seating area, flower beds, mature shrubs and established trees.

To the front is a driveway providing off-road parking for two vehicles and access to the garage.

PROPERTY FACTS

5 The Ridge, Saltburn

Price: £775,000

Robin Jessop Ltd 01677 425950 or 01969 622800 www.robinjessop.co.uk

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Stunningly transformed, this 60s property in Saltburn offers buyers the chance to snap up a unique home (Image: Robin Jessop Ltd)

Iran has warned it will ‘soon retaliate’ after the US Marine seized one of its ships along the Strait of Hormuz.

The country’s top military command said the US has violated the eleventh-hour two-week ceasefire by firing at the M/V Touska.

Hazrat Khatam al-Anbiya chiefs said: ‘Aggressor America, violating the ceasefire and engaging in maritime piracy, fired upon one of Iran’s commercial ships in the waters of the Sea of Oman and disabled its navigation system.

‘They further assaulted the vessel by landing a number of their terrorist riflemen onto the deck of the mentioned vessel.’

The statement shared by the Iranian Mehr News Agency added: ‘We warn that the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will soon respond to and retaliate against this armed piracy by the US military.’

Marines from the USS Tripoli seized the cargo ship yesterday during a six-hour standoff in the Gulf of Oman.

The USS Spruance, a guided missile destroyer, intercepted the tanker as it tried to sail towards the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas.

Iranian ports are currently under a US blockade, a policy in response to Iran’s saying that ships passing through the Strait would need to pay a toll.

The Spruance fired several rounds into the area and boarded the ship after telling the Touska crew to evacuate the engine room.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the M/V Touska had ‘failed to comply with repeated warnings’.

CENTCOM said Marines departed the Tripoli assault ship by helicopter and rappelled (descended by rope) and ‘disabled Touska’s propulsion’.

Donald Trump added in a Truth Social post: ‘The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom.’

Iranian media reported that ‘aggressive’ American forces ‘opened fire on an Iranian merchant ship to force it to return to Iranian territorial waters’.

The ship is currently off the coast of the port city of Beris, according to the monitoring website MarineTraffic.

It comes after Tehran rejected taking part in a second round of peace talks as the US President threatened to flatten Iran’s civilian infrastructure.

Iran’s official state news agency, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), reported that Iran would not be taking part in the ongoing peace talks.

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: UK denies Trump’s claim British ships hit in Strait of Hormuz

MORE: Disturbing audio captures moment ship captain in Hormuz Strait begs Iran ‘let me turn back’

MORE: Pope Leo XIV says his ‘tyrants’ remarks were not aimed at Trump

Victor Wembanyama starred on his NBA play-off debut as the San Antonio Spurs beat the Portland Trail Blazers 111-98.

Wembanyama, one of three contenders for the Most Valuable Player award, scored a game-high 35 points, including 21 in the first half, as the Spurs won game one of the best-of-seven series.

“It’s good to get this one out of the way,” the Frenchman said. “We just tried to do the things we’ve been doing all year and stay solid.

“There was pressure on us to win the first game, but it wasn’t that much pressure if we just stayed to the plan.”

Elsewhere, defending champions Oklahoma City Thunder and the Boston Celtics both made dominant starts to the post-season.

The Thunder – the number one seeds in the Western Conference – thrashed the Phoenix Suns 119-84, led by last year’s Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who had 25 points, seven assists and four rebounds.

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists – and Jaylen Brown added 26 points – as the second-seeded Celtics beat the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic stunned Eastern Conference top seeds Detroit Pistons 112-101 to take a 1-0 lead in their seven-game series.

Victory for the eighth-seeded Magic, who qualified for the play-offs via the play-in tournament, extends an unwelcome NBA record for the Pistons, who have not won a post-season game at home for 11 matches dating back to 2008.

Forward Paolo Banchero starred with 23 points, nine rebounds and four assists, to help the Magic overshadow Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham’s play-off best haul of 39 points.

“[We] didn’t come out with the right energy, gave them life early on,” said Cunningham. “Then we had to deal with that for the rest of the game.

“There’s no confidence drop from us. It’s going to be a long, fun series.”

Police believe the two incidents are linked

Police are appealing for information after two ‘serious’ incidents in Haverhill. One man is in hospital with a head injury, and another man is wanted by police after allegedly carrying a large machete-style knife.

A man, in his 40s, was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with a head injury after being hit on a footpath near the Cangle Road supermarket. Officers were called by the ambulance service at 7.45pm on Saturday, April 18, to reports of an injured man in the car park at the Tesco supermarket on Cangle Road. He remains in a stable condition.

It is reported that the victim, a man in his 40s, was assaulted at around 7pm on the old railway line footpath in the town. The man was reportedly walking with his partner when he was approached by a group of around five young males who shouted verbal abuse.

After he tried to speak to them, one of the males allegedly hit him on the head with a large branch. Officers are dealing with the incident as racially aggravated grievous bodily harm.

At 7.32pm, police were called to reports of a man with a large machete-type weapon in the vicinity of the same Tesco supermarket on Cangle Road. The suspect was shouting at members of the public before walking off.

No threats were directly made and nobody was injured. The suspect is described as a white man who was wearing a black jumper and black trousers.

Police are currently exploring possible links between the two incidents. Officers are reviewing CCTV and carrying out other enquiries in the area to understand the full circumstances.

Anyone with relevant CCTV or doorbell camera footage or anyone driving in the area at the time with a dash camera is asked to contact police. Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/22010/26 (GBH) and/or 37/21933/26 (knife incident).

The First Minister – who said when he launched his party’s Holyrood manifesto on Thursday that he was “only just getting started” – spoke about what could happen in such a vote.

John Swinney believes he can win an independence referendum in 2028 – with the SNP leader vowing he will then run to be the first leader in an independent Scotland in 2031.

Having set the SNP the target of winning a majority of seats in next month’s Holyrood election in a bid to force another vote on the future of the UK, Mr Swinney is confident that independence supporters will be successful second time round.

The 2014 referendum – held after Alex Salmond became the only party leader so far to win an overall majority of seats in the Scottish Parliament – saw Scots vote by 55% to 45% in favour of staying part of the UK.

But with the SNP leader now focusing on the prospect of another referendum in 2028, Mr Swinney believes independence supporters can “land it” by “being persuasive”.

With Scotland – and the rest of the UK – now out of the European Union, despite claims made in the run-up to 2014 that voting against independence was necessary to remain part of the EU, he also believes voters will be “less susceptible to the arguments made by the No side”.

He spoke about the prospect of another referendum as the Press Association joined him on the SNP’s election battlebus.

Advertisement

The First Minister – who said when he launched his party’s Holyrood manifesto on Thursday that he was “only just getting started” – spoke about what could happen in such a vote.

He said: “I think we are very close to winning Scottish independence. I just have to make it happen.”

Describing himself as being a “persuasive person”, he added: “I have persuaded many people to change the way they vote for me.

“I have managed to persuade many, many people to vote for budgets they never thought they would ever vote for by being accommodating and reasonable and respecting other people’s perspectives.

“And I think that is how we will land it, by being persuasive.”

Asked directly if he believes he will win an independence referendum, Mr Swinney said simply: “Yes”.

He then believes Scotland could complete the process of becoming an independent nation within 18 months – the same timetable that was suggested by the party in the run-up to the 2014 vote.

That could see Scotland become independent by the end of 2030, making the Holyrood elections due to be held the following year the first in an independent Scotland.

Asked if he would step down at this point, Mr Swinney said instead he would run to be the first leader of an independent Scotland.

“It’s the point at which I stand to be the first prime minister of an independent Scotland,” he declares.

He insists he does not fear “in the slightest” the campaign pro-UK parties will mount to keep Scotland in the UK – with Mr Swinney claiming that the “credibility” of Labour, the Tories and the Liberal Democrats has been “diminished”.

Hitting out at his political rivals, he said: “We were all told: wait for a Labour government, and it will solve all our issues. ‘We don’t need to have independence, we just need a Labour government.’

“Well it is a total and utter shambles.

“Shambles, disappointment – there is nothing good you can say about it.

“The Conservative Party is getting eaten alive by Reform, and Reform is repugnant, and the Liberal Democrats are irrelevant.”

Advertisement

The First Minister adds: “I’m going to lead a hopeful and optimistic campaign to set out to the people of Scotland the benefits of independence, and I think that is something to be very confident and optimistic about.”

His comments come as voters prepare to go to the polls in both Scotland and Wales – with the potential for a Plaid Cymru First Minister in Wales for the first time ever, along with nationalist first ministers in both Scotland and Northern Ireland.

This would be a “seismic change”, were it to happen, Mr Swinney says, adding that in Wales, where Labour have been in power since the start of devolution, it would be a “massive change in the fortunes and perspective of the Labour Party” which would then have “enormous implications for the United Kingdom”.

He adds that in the SNP campaign “the mood is very positive”, with his party fighting for a record fifth consecutive term in power at Holyrood.

Mr Swinney however stresses it is the “first Scottish Parliament election in which I am standing for re-election as First Minister”, having taken over the role almost two years ago when predecessor Humza Yousaf stepped down.

He adds: “I think people generally view me as a reliable character, somebody they can depend upon to do the right thing, who will always have Scotland’s interests at heart.”

This, he says, will be “very much part of the judgment that people make” when they go to the polls on May 7.

In the run-up to that he is “juggling” campaigning with his family responsibilities to his wife Elizabeth, who has multiple sclerosis, while his youngest child Matthew, 15, is about to sit exams at school.

Mr Swinney says: “It is all a juggle. But lots of people have lots of juggles in their life, I am no different.”

However on the campaign trail he said he has been managing to get home “most nights”, which he says is “actually a big benefit”.

The SNP leader said: “We’re trying to structure my campaign to make sure I get home at night, which really matters.”

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE