First look at ‘Victoria’ star in new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ remake

PBS has released a preview photo of Dame Diana Rigg in All Creatures Great and Small.

Based on author James Herriot’s much-loved collection of stories, the brand new period drama began filming last autumn in Yorkshire, England.

All Creatures Great and Small chronicles the heartwarming and humorous adventures of a young country vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s.

First published in 1970, Herriot’s stories were previously dramatised in the classic BBC series, which ran for nearly a hundred episodes between 1978 and 1990.

The upcoming TV series comes from Downton Abbey executive producer Rebecca Eaton and the director of the Downton movie.

The all-new cast is led by Callum Woodhouse (The Durrells), Samuel West (Mr Selfridge), Anna Madeley (Patrick Melrose) and Rachel Shenton (White Gold), alongside newcomer Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot.

Guest stars in the first season will include Harry Potter actor Matthew Lewis and Chariots of Fire star Nigel Havers.

They’ll also be joined by iconic English actress Dame Diana Rigg.

Rigg most recently appeared on screen in ITV’s Victoria as the Duchess of Buccleuch.

She is best known for her roles as Emma Peel in classic ’60s series The Avengers, Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, and Bond girl Teresa in On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.

The 82-year-old star will play Mrs. Pumphrey in All Creatures Great and Small, seen here with the character’s dog, Tricki Woo.

Dame Diana Rigg is also starring in the BBC’s upcoming adaptation of Black Narcissus.

The All Creatures Great and Small revival series was originally set to premiere later this year, marking the 50th anniversary of the first book’s publication.

Unfortunately, the six-part first season will now debut in early 2021 on Channel 5 in the UK and on PBS in the US.

More positive news, however, is that the show’s producers are already planning for a second season – before the first episode has even aired!

The original All Creatures Great and Small is available on DVD on Amazon.