Julie Wilson Nimmo: Don’t believe the tweets. I’m very much alive

The former Balamory actress on testing out Scotland’s chilliest waters, playing a panto hamster, and childhood high jinks — all her sister’s idea, she swears

Julie Nimmo on the set of This Morning.
Julie Wilson Nimmo says her most embarrassing moment came on stage — while dressed as a hamster
KEN MCKAY/ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK/REX
Ashley Davies
The Times

Based in Fife, Julie Wilson Nimmo played Miss Hoolie in Balamory in the early 2000s. She now stars in the BBC series Jules and Greg’s Wild Swim with her husband, Greg Hemphill.

We toured the Highlands and stayed in youth hostels up as far as Loch Ness. We call it the cagoule holiday. I was eight.

Still from Gregory's Girl (1981) showing John Gordon Sinclair and Dee Hepburn.
John Gordon Sinclair and Dee Hepburn in Gregory’s Girl inspired Wilson Nimmo to become and actress
ALAMY

Gregory’s Girl. When I watched it I couldn’t believe Scottish people could be in films like that. I knew from an early age I wanted to do that and make people laugh. I was obsessed with Clare Grogan and I’m so lucky to have worked and become pals with John Gordon Sinclair.

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Gallus, cheeky, doll. If

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