[Spencer]

I am sure Martin Lambie-Nairn stated that the balloon never went where intended when filming the idents, so was generally replaced by GCI or composite shots.

I think the actual balloon was normally used for live public events, which of course doesn't detract from its iconic status.

I was under the impression that most of the original batch were real, but most of the subsequent additions had the balloon digitally edited into scenes.

When you think about it, quite a few of them would actually have been impossible to create for real. If the wind carries the balloon out over St Michael’s Mount or the Needles, you’re in for a very wet landing.