Creatures

The All Creatures Great and Small star has opened up on her latest role which is a far cry from her character in the family drama

All Creatures Great and Small returns for its sixth series, featuring the beloved Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot.

The performer boasts an impressive portfolio and gained recognition for her Academy Award-winning short film, The Silent Child.

During her appearance on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, she discussed her upcoming ventures beyond All Creatures, acknowledging her newest character represents a dramatic shift from Helen Herriot.

Following a preview of her latest series, The Rumour, Alan remarked: “This is not a cosy drama, is it?”

“No, it’s a bit of a departure from All Creatures isn’t it”, Rachel acknowledged whilst explaining her passion for varied roles.

READ MORE: All Creatures Great and Small’s Rachel Shenton shares update on son as she confirms show returnREAD MORE: All Creatures Great and Small star admits ‘we’re not ready’ as they open up on show’s future

In her fresh production, she portrays Joanna, following a mum who relocates to a small community only to suspect a child murderer resides nearby.

The character couldn’t be more different from Helen Herriot in All Creatures, yet Rachel explained that range is precisely what drew her to performing.

She disclosed she’s currently crafting a theatrical piece – her newest professional venture, stating: “It’s hugely important to me, variety is what you get into this business for, to tell stories and to do them in whatever medium that is.

“I love all sorts of stories, I love feature films and short films.

“At the moment I’m writing a play and all of it is so important to me, that you just get to tell your version of the story in whatever way that is.”

The actress has made a comeback to the horror genre, featuring in The Strangers – Chapter 2, the fourth instalment of The Strangers film series.

She portrays Debbie, the elder sister of the main character Maya (Madelaine Petsch), who is a survivor of the Strangers.

The most recent film premiered in September 2025.

All Creatures Great and Small airs on Thursdays on Channel 5 at 9pm

All Creatures Great and Small viewers were left ‘screaming’ at their screens as they watched a fan-favourite share an unexpected kiss.

Viewers were left reaching for the tissues during the opening moments of All Creatures Great and Small as Channel 5 audiences witnessed Tristan Farnon (Callum Woodhouse) wrestling with his demons.

A memorial ceremony took place in Darrowby to remember those who lost their lives in the conflict, and it became apparent that his wartime experiences had left deep scars, with brother Siegfried (Samuel West) discovering him separated from the gathering.

Yet his spirits lifted considerably when ‘Captain Farnon’ received a summons from the village’s newest residents, the Beauvoirs, requesting assistance with their horse Philbrick.

A mix-up arose regarding which Farnon sibling was actually required, with both Tristan and Siegfried arriving simultaneously, each keen to assist Philbrick’s captivating owner, Charlotte (Gaia Wise), whose mum and dad are rather well-known in actual life.

The brothers lavished attention on Philbrick, and viewers at home were soon forecasting that romance was brewing, reports the Manchester Evening News.

As events progressed, Charlotte extended an invitation to Tristan for the highly sought-after performance at Orley Castle.

When her horse became poorly, Tristan and Siegfried dashed to the rescue and successfully treated the creature. But it was evident that something special developed between Charlotte and Tristan as they twirled together in the stables before sharing a tender kiss.

Fans quickly flocked to X to express their reactions to the scene, with one viewer writing: “I SCREAMED.”

A second chimed in: “Stopppp Tris and Charlotte are so cute.”

One fan penned: “Charlotte and Tristan sitting on a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!!!” Another chimed in with: “OH THEY’RE TOO CUTE.”

Callum Woodhouse, who worked alongside Gaia, was full of compliments for his co-star. He remarked: “Gaia’s absolutely amazing. I think we had a really nice chemistry on set. She’s a great actress.

“And I think her character, Charlotte Beauvoir, is a great addition. Tristan is maturing, becoming more independent, and taking on more responsibility.

“I think he’s past that stage now, where he’s jumping from girl to girl. So, is he ready for something more serious? It’s been really fun to play.”

All Creatures Great and Small is available to watch on My5.

Channel 5 viewers returned to Darrowby for a new series of All Creatures Great and Small on Thursday night.

Feelings ran sky-high on Thursday evening as the sixth series of All Creatures Great and Small kicked off.

The cherished Channel 5 programme has returned in earnest with audiences heading back to Darrowby in 1945, following a brief time leap from the last series.

Whilst one cast member has already hinted at ‘drastic’ developments to come, it was Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) and Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) who commanded attention.

As the episode opened, audiences discovered Mrs Hall had departed Skeldale House to be with her son and granddaughter in Sunderland.

Yet, it was evident that Siegfried hadn’t coped well with her leaving as the veterinary surgery had fallen into disrepair, reports the Manchester Evening News.

With Tristan Farnon (Callum Woodhouse) and James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph) choosing to intervene, they travelled to Sunderland to speak with Mrs Hall, encouraging her to come back.

As she agreed to return, though only briefly, there was a tense mood as it was apparent Siegfried was wounded by her departure, though he expressed this through rage and irritation instead.

When Mrs Hall chose to depart early, thinking he didn’t wish her to remain, she became emotional whilst leaving the property. As Siegfried, Tristan and James came back to the house and discovered she’d departed, he admitted: “I drove her away.”

Urged to reach her before the train departed, Siegfried dashed to the station, arriving just in time.

Racing towards her in a cinematic moment, Siegfried confessed he had attempted to find a substitute for her role, but nobody else compared.

When he asked if she’d consider remaining, Mrs Hall found herself distracted by jubilant crowds on the platform as news broke out that the war had officially ended.

As the programme came to an end, the entire village was awash with festivities as residents discovered Mrs Hall had chosen to remain.

Walking arm-in-arm together, she confessed: “It’s good to be back.” To which he responded: “It’s good to have you back.”

It wasn’t long before viewers found themselves moved to tears by the pair’s chemistry, with countless fans flocking to X to express their emotions.

One viewer declared: “SIEGFRIED ADMITTING HE WAS SO UPSET WITHOUT HER THAT HE WASN’T FINE OH IM GONNA SOB.”

Another fan exclaimed: “Oh bl**dy hell I’m sobbing.” Whilst a third penned: “I AM CRYINGGGG HOWLINGGGG SCREAMINGGGG.”

Someone else posted: “Goosebumps! HE’S RUNNING LIKE HELL.” One person remarked: “At last, how long have we waited for that hug #ACGAS Everyone now reaching for a tissue.”

Meanwhile another added: “Incredible, lost for words at the moment.”

All Creatures Great and Small is available to watch on My5.

All Creatures Great and Small is back on Channel 5 and will see the return of all the fan-favourites including Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon

All Creatures Great and Small is making a triumphant return to Channel 5, bringing back all the beloved characters including Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon.

The first episode, dubbed Gathering the Flock, showcases James and Tristan (portrayed by Callum Woodhouse) taking drastic measures after witnessing Siegfried’s wild and disorderly conduct, with some touching behind-the-scenes moments.

Anna Madeley reprises her role as Mrs Hall, alongside Rachel Shenton as James’s wife Helen. Tony Pitts and Imogen Clawson also make a comeback as Helen’s father and sister, Richard and Jenny.

The sixth series will also welcome back Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey and Mollie Winnard as Maggie.

Here’s everything you need to know about the guest stars for the first episode of the sixth series.

READ MORE: All Creatures Great and Small star confirms character’s exit in series 6 updateREAD MORE: All Creatures Great and Small star shares thoughts on Siegfried and Mrs Hall – and fans will be upset

All Creatures Great and Small series 6 episode 1 cast

Archie Tredwell – Wayne Foskett

Wayne Foskett joins the cast for the opening episode. The 61 year old English actor is renowned for his roles in Merlin, Silent Witness and Midsomer Murders.

He’s also an avid artist and has showcased his works at the Jardiniere art exhibition.

Fans might also recognise him as Richard Stark from Game of Thrones or as Tom in Lightfields.

Jimmy Herriot – Thomas Riches

James’s son Jimmy is portrayed by Thomas Riches, but little is known about the young star at this point.

Susan – Lucy-Jo Hudson

Susan, an acquaintance of Siegfried’s, is played by Lucy-Jo Hudson, a 42 year old actress hailing from Leeds.

She’s the sister of rugby league player Ryan Hudson and was previously married to Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, who portrays Tyrone Dobbs, until 2018.

The mum-of-two is recognised for her roles as Katy Harris in Coronation Street, Rosie Trevanion in Wild at Heart and Donna-Marie Quinn in Hollyoaks.

Rosie Herriot – Arlie and Autumn Doyle

Arlie and Autumn Doyle join the cast as James and Helen’s daughter Rosie, but little is known about these young twins.

Mary – Siena Marsden

Siena Marsden joins the cast as Mary, Edward’s daughter, although not much is known about this young actress yet.

Edward Hall – Conor Deane

Conor Deane returns as Mrs Hall’s son Edward, and he is also known for his roles as Fred Holdsworth in The Hardacres and Kyre Branson in Sherwood.

His other credits include Ridley, Happy Valley and What It Feels Like for a Girl.

All Creatures Great and Small airs on Channel 5 on September 25 at 9pm

All Creatures Great and Small’s Siegfried Farnon actor Samuel West has opened up about his role and feeling ‘slightly jealous’ of his co-star

The sixth series of All Creatures Great and Small is set to grace Channel 5 on Thursday 25 September at 9pm.

In anticipation of the new series, Samuel West, who portrays Siegfried Farnon, has shared insights into the upcoming season. The 59 year old actor has been bringing Siegfried to life since 2020.

Siegfried, the quirky proprietor of Skeldale House veterinary practice, shines in Channel 5’s rendition of All Creatures Great and Small.

This beloved family drama is inspired by the treasured writings of Yorkshire vet Alf Wight, who wrote about his experiences as a rural veterinarian under the pen name James Herriot.

The colourful personalities that inhabit the All Creatures books and their screen adaptations are drawn from real people, with Siegfried being based on Alf’s actual employer, Donald Sinclair, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Samuel, the actor behind Siegfried, has divulged details about series six and the animal escapades his character encounters.

He revealed: “We have our first Shire horse. That’s an amazing animal. I don’t know how it took us that long to get round to a Shire, but it was a beautiful, beautiful creature, and very well looked after. I had to get good at pulling up the hoof to look at it from the side.”

Samuel also confessed feeling ‘slightly jealous’ of his fellow cast member Callum Woodhouse, who plays Tristan Farnon.

He confessed: “I wish I had more to do with horses. When they said that Tristan was going to start looking at horses with me, it was the first time I felt slightly jealous.

“‘Let it be me! Siegfried is the one who’s good at horses! I’m the one who they asked for by name!’ But of course, you shouldn’t let me be comfortable in that – there are always new things to learn.”

He went on to say: “And there is such a thing as an aura around people. You meet it, and you can almost see it in people who are very calm or very disturbed – and animals certainly know it. Horses pick up on it immediately.

“So, working with them, I don’t know… I remember realising that our crew was so concentrated and so still and so talented that if I was doing a two-handed scene with a horse, and it was just me looking at the horse and waiting for a reaction, almost waiting for eye contact, or just sharing something that didn’t take words, I could probably wait there for a minute and nobody would say cut.

“And that’s an extraordinary feeling. It’s really good, because you’re filming something that’s invisible – something that’s happening between an animal that can’t speak and somebody else who is trying to read their thoughts, their feelings.

“But when we get it, we get it. We can see it. It’s like magnetism. It may not be visible, but we can sense that it’s there. I find that really exciting.

“It works with horses mostly, but you also get it with cows and obviously dogs and cats as well – but mostly with the larger animals.”

All Creatures Great and Small returns on Thursday 25 September at 9pm on Channel 5.

All Creatures Great and Small star Callum Woodhouse has opened up about his favourite moment from filming season six of the Channel 5 drama, which is set to return later this month

All Creatures Great and Small makes its comeback to Channel 5 with series six later this month, and the cast have been revealing some of their most cherished moments from filming.

The upcoming series sees the return of Tristan Farnon (portrayed by Callum Woodhouse), as he enjoys time away from his duties with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

Prior to the new series launching on September 25, actor Woodhouse chatted exclusively to Reach publications about his most treasured behind-the-scenes memory.

During shooting of the opening episode at Beamish Museum close to County Durham, which serves as a stand-in for Sunderland, he found himself transported back to his youth.

READ MORE: All Creatures Great and Small season 6 release date, cast and episodesREAD MORE: All Creatures Great and Small’s Siegfried and Tristan Farnon had ‘secret’ sibling not mentioned in show

The performer revealed: “I used to go there a lot with my parents when I was younger as I’m from up that way, so I was always dragging them every other weekend to wander around those streets.”

“So to find myself 20 years later filming this TV show on those streets, and my parents came down for the day and were watching me film in this place that we used to wander around and go to the sweet shop, that was one of my most special days of the series.”

The actor’s relatives are massive admirers of the programme, and in an earlier chat, he disclosed how they would frequently view episodes repeatedly.

He revealed: “Especially when it’s airing, they will watch it at 9pm on Channel 5 and then at 10pm they will switch over to Channel 5 +1 and will immediately watch the episode again.

“It’s really sweet but also I’m like ‘Guys, do something else with your lives’.”

James Herriot star Nicholas Ralph also spoke to Reach titles about one of his standout moments from filming series six.

He recalled shooting in Yockenthwaite, which serves as Heston Grange, adding: “It’s out in the middle of the Dales, you need satellite phones there as there’s no signal.

“It’s in the absolute sticks. We were filming but it was raining sideways and I had a little brolly up, and vans were coming because they do tours of the Dales now.

“They were stopping every now and then, and one was slightly bigger and about 12 people in ponchos jumped out of this bus and were like ‘we love you guys’.

“They they all went back on the bus and they racked on the All Creatures theme tune, they jumped out and were dancing in the rain.

“I asked where they were from and they said Brazil. We had some wonderful fan interactions.”

All Creatures Great and Small returns to Channel 5 on September 25 at 9pm

All Creatures Great and Small will return for a sixth series later this year, and ahead of the new instalment, 5 has released a first-look trailer

The wait is almost over for fans of All Creatures Great and Small, as the official release date for the sixth series has finally been announced.

In anticipation of its eagerly awaited return later this month, Channel 5 has unveiled a trailer teasing the sixth chapter of the critically acclaimed series.

Set in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales during the mid-20th century, All Creatures Great and Small, based on the cherished books by James Herriot, centres on the lives of vets and their families.

The new series will kick off on Channel 5 on Thursday, 25th September, promising to deliver more “heartwarming human and animal tales” to viewers.

The official synopsis reveals: “But, this time, we find our beloved Skeldale gang in a somewhat different situation as we join them in 1945, just as the war in Europe is coming to a close.”, reports the Manchester Evening News.

“We arrive back in Darrowby to veterinary advancements, expanded families, and new faces as they all look ahead to a brighter and more peaceful future.

“This series will see Herriot’s wonderful characters navigating the opportunities that a new world brings, a host of animals great and small, and of course, each other.”

Nicholas Ralph will be returning to his role as vet James Herriot, with Samuel West reprising his part as Siegfried Farnon, James’ business partner.

Deadwater Fell star Anna Madeley will once again portray Mrs Hall, and Rachel Shenton will reprise her role as Helen Herriot, while Callum Woodhouse will continue to play Tristan Farnon.

Mrs Pumphrey will be portrayed by Patricia Hodge once more, whilst Tony Pitts makes his comeback as Richard Alderson alongside Imogen Clawson reprising her role as Jenny.

Fresh faces joining the All Creatures Great and Small lineup for the sixth series feature Hollyoaks favourite Lucy-Jo Hudson, Lord of the Rings’ Gaia Wise, Titanic legend Jonathan Hyde, Waterloo Road performer Martin Brown and The Feud’s Chris Gascoyne.

Viewers expressed their delight following the trailer’s debut, with one fan declaring: “Can’t wait! This is my FAVOURITE show,” whilst another enthused: “Can’t wait for the new season.

“Really hoping the show gets renewed for two more seasons like before. We need a show like this in today’s world. Heartfelt, fun, emotional, nice, charming and wonderful. Thank You!!”

All Creatures Great and Small series six will air from Thursday, 25 September at 9pm on 5. All other series are available to stream on 5.