Ballykissangel - The Ultimate Resource

What is Ballykissangel?
When did it start?
How many series are there?
Is there going to be another series?
Why was Ballykissangel cancelled?
Isn't there *any* hope of it returning?
Why is each series so short?
Who's the writer?
Where is it filmed?
Which bits are filmed on location?
Is there any connection between BallyK and Hope Island?

Q. What is Ballykissangel?
A. Ballykissangel (or BallyK) is a television drama-comedy series, co-produced by BBC Northern Ireland and Ballykea Productions for World Productions. It follows the lives of a close community in a small Irish town, Ballykissangel.

Q. When did it start?
A. The series started broadcasting in the UK on BBC1 on February 11, 1996. It's also been shown in most of the rest of the world.

Q. How many series are there?
A. Five series have been broadcast so far. A sixth series is due to broadcast early in 2001.

Q. Is there going to be another series?
No. The show was axed by the BBC in March 2001.

Q. Why was Ballykissangel cancelled?
Very few good reasons have been given for the cancellation of a show which was incredibly popular, both in the UK and abroad. BBC executives at the time said that they wanted to clear the way for other programmes.

Q. Isn't there *any* hope of it returning?
Not really, no. Despite the fact that the show sold extremely well overseas, the BBC made the decision and that's that.

Q. Why is each series so short?
In the UK, a series like BallyK is usually six, eight or twelve episodes long. It is quite rare for a series to be longer than 12 episodes long. In the US, a series tends to be around 20 episodes long - hence the UK shows seem very short.

Q. Who's the writer?
A. The original concept and script came from ex-'That's Life' presenter Kieran Prendiville, who also wrote BBC1's Roughnecks and Badger . The first series was written entirely by Kieran and 'With or Without You' writer, John Forte. Later series employed various other staff writers. Kieran has since rejoined the show's writing team and has written episodes of series 6.

Q. Where is it filmed?

A. The show is filmed on location in Avoca and Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow, and on A and B Stages at Ardmore studios in Bray, Co. Wicklow. Additional scenes are filmed in the surrounding areas. The studio is a closed set and has been in use since the 1950's, acting as the production base for films such as In the Name of the Father and My Left Foot.

Q. Which bits are filmed on location?
A. Most of the village's building exteriors are in Avoca, including Fitzgerald's, the school, Father Clifford's house and the Guard house. Some houses in Enniskerry are used as interiors. The church and Hendley's are both location interiors. The main studio set is Fitzgerald's.
For more info on the filming of the show, click here

Q. Is there any connection between BallyK and Hope Island?
Yes. The rights to BallyK's format were sold by the BBC to PAX TV. The result was Hope Island, which closely followed BallyK storylines for a few of the early episodes.