Kindly teacher Miss Hoolie has returned to Balamory 19 years after the popular children's TV show ended. Comedian Julie Wilson Nimmo is best known for playing Miss Hoolie in 256 episodes of the children's TV show that aired for four years.
She is now the star of a new BBC Scotland series with her husband, comedy actor Greg Hemphill. Jules and Greg's Wild Swim sees the couple touring Scotland swimming in some of the most beautiful parts of the country.
In the latest episode, the couple return to Tobermory, where Balamory was filmed, and visit some of the iconic locations - where 'Balamory merch' is still sold and the Miss Hoolie actress is 'a big deal'.
A tearful Julie tried to explain why returning to the location made her so emotional, explaining it may be the menopause, or 'knowing you're going to die' as she is now much older than the 29 years she was when she started filming the show.
Jules and Greg have been married for 25 years and have two children. The show is a chance for them to share their passion for cold-water wild swimming.
Greg told The Edinburgh Reporter: “We started it during lockdown. Jules went with a friend for a few months and she would come back like a different person, glowing. Eventually I gave it a try and I was absolutely hooked.
“Throughout my life I’ve tried new things and got bored of them — hobbies, going to the gym or different sports, I’d do it for a couple of months and then stop going – but this, I honestly can see myself doing until I’m an old guy.”
A clip from the new episode shows Jules delighting in the fact she is more famous in Tobermory than Greg - known for his role in Still Game. She said: "As we get closer to the water it's clear who the bigger star is." The show sees her meeting people visiting the area from as far away as Wales and Durham who all recognise 'Miss Hoolie', and locals say the filming was 'fab times'.
"Balamory" is a Scottish children's television series that aired on the BBC from 2002 to 2005. Created by Brian Jameson, it was set in the fictional town of Balamory and aimed at preschool-aged children.
The show followed the adventures of a group of colourful characters who lived in the town and was designed to promote learning, particularly in areas such as colours, shapes, and everyday problem-solving.
The characters would often engage in fun activities and solve simple dilemmas, with each episode focusing on a particular character or theme. "Balamory" was praised for its educational content and vibrant, engaging visuals.
