‘The Durrells’ star joins new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ cast
The main cast has been announced for the new All Creatures Great and Small.
It was announced in July that a brand new series has been commissioned by Channel 5 and Masterpiece on PBS, based on author James Herriot’s much-loved collection of stories.
First published in 1970, Herriot’s stories chronicle the heartwarming and humorous adventures of a young country vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s.
The stories were previously adapted in the classic BBC series, which aired for 90 episodes between 1978 and 1990.
Downton Abbey director Brian Percival is set to begin filming six episodes and a Christmas special very soon on location in Yorkshire, England.
Newcomer Nicholas Ralph will lead the cast as James Herriot.
He’ll be joined by Mr Selfridge actor Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, the eccentric veterinary surgeon and proprietor of Skeldale House who reluctantly hires the recently qualified Herriot into his rural practice.
Anna Madeley (Patrick Melrose) will play Mrs Hall, the resident housekeeper and matriarch of Skeldale House, and Rachel Shenton (White Gold) will play Helen Alderson, an independent local farmer’s daughter who helps her father manage the family farm and care for her younger sister.
Callum Woodhouse, who starred in all four seasons of The Durrells as Leslie, will play Tristan, Siegfried’s errant and charismatic younger brother.
Executive producer Colin Callender commented: “This is an exceptional cast made up of a wonderful mix of exciting new and established talent. Re-visiting the world of All Creatures Great and Small is like going home and re-discovering old friends whom we haven’t seen in years.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing James Herriot’s beloved characters back to life with Sam, Anna, Callum, Rachel and Nicholas.”
Marking the 50th anniversary of the first book’s original publication, the new All Creatures Great and Small is set to air in 2020 on Channel 5 in the UK and on PBS in the US.
Downton Abbey executive producer Rebecca Eaton is part of the team overseeing the show.
The original All Creatures Great and Small is available on DVD on Amazon.