‘All Creatures Great and Small’ reveals Diana Rigg’s replacement in Season 2

A familiar face has joined the cast of All Creatures Great and Small.

Based on author James Herriot’s much-loved collection of stories, the period drama series chronicles the heartwarming and humorous adventures of a young country vet in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s.

All Creatures Great and Small premiered on Channel 5 in the UK last autumn and the show began airing on Sunday nights on PBS in the US earlier this year.

A second season began filming in March in Yorkshire, England.

All the main cast are reprising their roles, but with one notable absence.

Dame Diana Rigg, who played Mrs. Pumphrey in the first season, sadly passed away last September at the age of 82.

However, Tricki Woo’s eccentric owner will continue to be a part of All Creatures Great and Small.

The show’s makers have chosen to recast the character, with Patricia Hodge taking over the role of Mrs. Pumphrey.

The 74-year-old English actress is best known for appearing in Miranda, Downton Abbey, and A Very English Scandal.

Executive producer Sir Colin Callender commented: “We were deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Diana Rigg who will always be a treasured member of the All Creatures family.

“Mrs. Pumphrey and her overly indulged Pekingese, Tricki Woo, are such iconic and cherished characters in Herriot’s world and we are delighted to welcome the wonderful Patricia Hodge who will join the company as Mrs Pumphrey for Series 2.”

Masterpiece executive producer Susanne Simpson added: “All Creatures Great and Small was an enormous hit for Masterpiece and Dame Diana Rigg‘s priceless portrayal of Mrs. Pumphrey contributed to its success.

“I can’t wait to see Patricia Hodge bring her own charm to the character.”

Season 2 will premiere in the UK on on Channel 5 this autumn, then in early 2022 on PBS in the US.

Fans have been told to expect “more heart-warming stories from the Dales with a characterful ensemble of farmers, animals and townsfolk living in 1930s Yorkshire.”

The six new episodes will also be followed by another Christmas special.

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