Balamory fans 'genuinely didn't recognise' Edie McCredie star after dramatic new look
Balamory star Juliet Cadzow has left fans stunned with her dramatic transformation in a new theatrical role, more than two decades after first appearing on the beloved CBeebies children's programme. The Glasgow actress portrayed school bus driver and mechanic Edie McCredie in the BAFTA-winning BBC series, which aired from 2002 to 2005. In that iconic role, Edie transported youngsters to nursery across the vibrant Scottish fictional island in her recognisable yellow vehicle whilst also repairing fellow residents' motors at her famous blue garage.
Recently, Cadzow returned to play Edie for the Balamory revival, which attracted 1.5 million viewers, marking the largest audience for any CBeebies programme launch this year. Beyond Balamory, her credits include appearances in Still Game, Doctor Who, Skins and Scottish soap River City. However, it is her striking makeover for a fresh theatrical project that has captured considerable attention.
The accomplished performer has assumed the character of Norma Desmond in the production Sunset Boulevard The Backstage Cut, written and directed by Morag Fullarton. The show explores Billy Wilder's iconic 1950 film and the backstage conflicts that accompanied its making. The cast also features John Kielty, Mark McDonnell and Frances Thorburn.
Cadzow has exchanged the light blue t-shirts and colourful cardigans from her Balamory era for faded Hollywood glamour, featuring a glamorous period gown and headscarf. In this role, she is unrecognisable from the cherished character audiences remember.
Fans have reacted with astonishment to her transformation. "What an incredible transformation. She completely disappears into the role," said one viewer. Another remarked, "I genuinely didn't recognise her until halfway through."
Cadzow reflected on her Balamory legacy, telling the BBC: "I still get folk who are in their mid-20s now coming up to me and saying Oh God you were Edie McCredie. It was a huge part of people's lives and what fun it was to do. We got up to hi-jinks on Mull and we were a great big family."