‘Downton Abbey’ boss and director join new ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ series

We have some exciting news about the return of All Creatures Great and Small!

It was announced last month that a brand new series based on author James Herriot’s much-loved collection of stories is being made.

From the makers of Wolf Hall and Howards End, filming on six episodes and a Christmas special will begin later this year on location in Yorkshire, England.

It’s now been revealed that Downton Abbey executive producer Rebecca Eaton has joined the team overseeing the show.

Eaton commented: “When it originally aired on public broadcasting, All Creatures Great and Small captured the hearts of millions of television viewers.

“We promise that the new series will have all the wit, warmth, and quirky charm of the original – and of course, lots of irresistible animals.”

The new All Creatures Great and Small also has Brian Percival on board as lead director.

Percival has previously directed episodes of Downton Abbey, as well as the BBC’s North & South adaptation and the movie The Book Thief.

Ben Vanstone (The Last Kingdom) will be the show’s lead writer.

Jim Wight and Rosie Page, author James Herriot’s children, have given the project their seal of approval.

They said: “The books of James Herriot have enchanted millions of readers worldwide for almost half a century. We are delighted that our father’s work will be brought to life once again for a new generation of viewers Great and Small.”

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 BBC’s original TV series aired for 90 episodes between 1978 and 1990.

All Creatures Great and Small will return in 2020 on Channel 5 in the UK and on Masterpiece on PBS in the USA.

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