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All Creatures Great and Small is a warmly nostalgic drama that invites viewers into the gentle rhythms of rural life in 1930s Yorkshire. Based on the beloved books by veterinary surgeon Alf Wight - better known by his pen name, James Herriot - the series follows the young, hopeful veterinarian James as he begins his career in the picturesque village of Darrowby. James joins a veterinary practice owned by Siegfried Farnon and his brother Tristan, whose eccentricities are matched by their compassion and unwavering dedication to their four-legged patients.
Blending heartfelt storytelling, humor, and sweeping countryside landscapes, the show captures the enduring bond between humans and animals while offering a comforting portrait of community, compassion, and friendship. With the seventh series in the works, it's essential for a refresh of some well-loved faces.
Want a taste of the show? Watch the trailer for season one below
Main cast of All Creatures Great and Small
Meet the cast who make this whimsical tale come to life:
Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot
Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon
Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon
Anna Madeley as Mrs. Hall
Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson
Matthew Lewis as Hugh Hulton
Patricia Hodge as Mrs. Pumphrey (previously played by Diana Rigg)
Nicholas Ralph who plays James Herriot
Character: James Herriot is portrayed as earnest, compassionate and determined - a young veterinarian driven by heart and ambition. Though initially inexperienced and occasionally uncertain, he approaches both animals and their owners with patience, humility, and a deep sense of responsibility. His optimism and steadiness make him a grounding presence within the often chaotic Farnon household. Starting off timid, James's growing confidence is apparent as the series progresses. As Nicholas Ralph agrees, "we’ve definitely seen [James] grow into himself and into the man he’s becoming, and also the vet he’s becoming," throughout the series.
Actor: Nicholas Ralph is a Scottish actor whose breakout performance as James Herriot in All Creatures Great and Small marked his first major television role. A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Ralph quickly earned widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the earnest young veterinarian. His work on the series has positioned him as one of Britain’s most promising rising talents, drawing praise from critics and audiences alike for bringing warmth depth to an iconic literary character
What else has Nicholas Ralph been in?
Despite featuring in several films such as The Most Reluctant Convert (2021) and Pray for the Devil (2022), his biggest success lies so far in the well-loved All Creatures Great and Small.
Rachel Shenton who plays Helen Alderson
Character: Helen is the strong‑willed, practical daughter of a local Yorkshire farming family who (spoiler ahead!) becomes both the love interest and later the wife of James Herriot. She’s resilient, capable with livestock, and unafraid to get her hands dirty on the farm. Her kindness, humor, and grounded nature make her an essential part of the community and a true partner to James as the series progresses.
What else has Rachel Shenton been in?
Rachel Shenton is an English actress and writer with a varied and impactful career in television and film. She first came to prominence playing Mitzeee Minniver on the Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks. Beyond her screen work, Shenton achieved a major milestone in 2018 when she won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for The Silent Child, which she wrote, produced and starred in - a deeply personal project inspired by her own experiences with deafness and British Sign Language. She has recently starred in the Channel 5 drama The Rumour.
Off‑screen, she’s also an advocate for deaf awareness, a long‑time ambassador for the National Deaf Children’s Society, and the founder of the Midlands Screen Acting School, helping emerging actors develop their craft.
Samuel West who plays Siegfried Farnon
Character: Siegfried Farnon is a sharp-tongued and fiercely independent veterinarian whose presence anchors the Skeldale House practice. Unpredictable in temperament, he can shift from blustering impatience to heartfelt kindness in a matter of moments. Beneath his brisk authority lies deep loyalty to his brother Tristan, to James, and to the farming community he serves. His eccentricities and dry wit provide much of the series’ humor.
What else has Samuel West been in?
Samuel West is an acclaimed British actor and director with a distinguished career spanning theatre, film, television, and radio. A former artistic director of Sheffield Theatres and a frequent performer with the Royal Shakespeare Company, West is celebrated for his classical stage work as well as screen roles in productions.
This versatile actor has appeared in many shows and films, most predominantly The Crown , Howard's End (1992), Notting Hill (1999) and Mr Selfridge (2013-16).
Callum Woodhouse who plays Tristan Farnon
Character: Tristan Farnon is the charming, mischievous younger brother of Siegfried and an integral part of the Skeldale House practice. Initially portrayed as carefree and unserious, Tristan often masks his intelligence and sensitivity behind humor. Though he delights in bending rules and provoking his brother, he possesses a genuine love for veterinary work and a deep loyalty to those he cares about. Over time, his character reveals surprising depth - growing in confidence, responsibility, and emotional maturity.
What else has Callum Woodhouse been in?
A graduate of the Oxford School of Drama, Woodhouse has built a steady career across television, film, and theatre.
Most famously, the acclaimed TV series The Durrell's (2017), bears uncanny resemblance to the boisterous character of Tristan Farnon and the fascination with family and animals.
Anna Madeley who plays Mrs. Hall
Character: Mrs. Hall is the steadfast heart of Skeldale House, serving as housekeeper and quiet moral compass to the often-chaotic veterinary practice. Practical and deeply compassionate, she manages the household with calm authority, ensuring that both the Farnon brothers and James remain grounded. Beneath her composed exterior lies a woman of resilience and emotional depth, shaped by personal hardship. Mrs. Hall’s warmth and wisdom make her an indispensable presence, offering steady reassurance in moments of uncertainty while subtly holding the household together.
As Anna Maderley expresses, "We could have very easily come out with the old trope of the bossy woman telling everyone what to do, which a lot of people expect, and instead what’s really refreshing is having a character who has proper story behind her, history that informs who she is." Maderley successfully embodied the nuanced character of Ms. Hall, tapping into her depth of the character and understanding how her "story" shapes her portrayal.
What else has Anna Maderley been in?
Anna Madeley is an accomplished British actress with a career spanning stage, television, and film. Trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA), she has earned acclaim for her versatile performances.
A woman of many talents, Maderley has appeared in renound series like The Crown (2016), The Forsyte Saga (2002), and numerous West End and Royal Shakespeare Company theatre roles.
Patricia Hodge who plays Mrs. Pumphrey
Character: Mrs. Pumphrey is a wealthy, kind-hearted, and somewhat doting client of the Skeldale House veterinary practice, best known for her beloved Pekingese, Tricki Woo.
What else has Patricia Hodge been in?
Patricia Hodge played Penny, Miranda’s overbearing mother, in the sitcom Miranda. Beyond that role, she has appeared in many other TV shows and films. She was memorable as Phyllida Erskine in Rumpole of the Bailey, Aunt Rosamund in Downton Abbey, and Honoria Glossop in Jeeves and Wooster. She also had roles in the film A Fish Called Wanda, and later adaptations of The Worst Witch. Hodge is known for playing witty, strong-willed characters with a sharp sense of humour.
Matthew Lewis who plays Hugh Hulton
Character: Hugh Hulton is a supporting character in All Creatures Great and Small, introduced as a wealthy and well‑respected landowner in the Yorkshire Dales. He is handsome, agreeable, and someone of standing in the local community. He also happens to be Helen Alderson’s childhood sweetheart and initial fiancé, creating a gentle romantic rival to James Herriot early in the series. While Hugh’s engagement to Helen ends when she calls it off, he remains a decent figure rather than a villain.
Actor: Best known for his breakout acting role as Neville Longbottom in Harry Potter, Matthew Lewis has since starred in a various degree of roles.
What else has Matthew Lewis been in?
Matthew Lewis gained attention with his performance in The Rise (2012), which debuted to critical acclaim at the Toronto International Film Festival. He later made guest appearances in BBC series including Bluestone 42 (2013) and Death in Paradise (2015). In 2016, he took on a supporting role in the hit film Me Before You. He also appeared in the thriller Terminal (2018), which premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival, and went on to feature in the 2020 comedy Baby Done. He also led the Channel 5 drama Murder Before Evensong.
Where can I watch All Creatures Great and Small?
You can stream seasons 1-6 of All Creatures Great and Small for free on Channel 5. The seventh season will air in late 2026 so make sure you're all caught up beforehand!
Molly Lewis is an English Literature student who has a passion for journalism and editorial writing with her work includes featuring in Marie Claire magazine's as a books editor under Women&Home. Her current role includes writing articles on the latest entertainment, including TV and film.