ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL RENEWED FOR FIFTH AND SIXTH SERIES ON CHANNEL 5

Channel 5 announces the double commission of series 5 and 6 of its hit series All Creatures Great and Small.

Based on best-selling author James Herriot’s beloved and iconic collection of stories, the critically acclaimed adaptation from Playground will return for two series consisting of six episodes (6 x 60”) each plus Christmas Specials.

Returning to the ensemble during Series 5 will be Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon. MASTERPIECE on PBS in the US co-produces in association with global partner All3Media International.

All Creatures Great and Small will return to shoot on location in Yorkshire for series 5 and 6. Returning for the fifth series is Nicholas Ralph as vet James Herriot, and Samuel West as his mercurial mentor Siegfried Farnon. Anna Madeley returns as the matriarch of Skeldale House, Mrs Hall along with Rachel Shenton as the charismatic Helen Herriot.

James Anthony-Rose also reappears as Richard Carmody. Also returning is Patricia Hodge as the wonderfully sophisticated Mrs Pumphrey, and her adored pampered Pekingese Tricki. Callum Woodhouse reprises his role as Tristan Farnon, Siegfried’s mischievous brother who has been serving in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, when he makes an unexpected return later in the series.  

The series will continue to bring the stories of James Herriot to life as we return to Darrowby to rejoin our unconventional much loved Skeldale Family and the colourful ensemble of farmers, animals and townsfolk living in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1940s.

Paul Testar, Commissioning Editor, Drama, Channel 5 said: “We’re so pleased that All Creatures Great and Small will be returning to Channel 5 for two more series. The show has captured the hearts of our audiences and we are committed to bringing even more of James Herriot’s unforgettable stories to our viewers. We can’t wait to share this next chapter.”

Sir Colin Callender CBE, Executive Producer and CEO of Playground commented: “Kindness and decency are increasingly rare qualities these days, so it is a blessing to be able to return to the sanctuary of Skeldale House and James Herriot’s beloved characters who represent all that is the best in us.  There are no villains in All Creatures - just everyday folk trying to get through the day with dignity with the help of a supportive community, family and friends.  It’s a lesson for modern times.”

Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer for MASTERPIECE added: “It is such a joy to share the news of two more seasons of All Creatures Great and Small. The MASTERPIECE audience has come to treasure this heart-warming series. We’re also particularly happy to welcome back Callum Woodhouse as Tristan to this incredible ensemble of actors.”

Executive Producer Louise Pedersen, CEO of All3Media International, also adds ““The heartwarming, escapist viewing offered by All Creatures Great and Small has charmed audiences around the world so I am delighted Playground’s joyful stories will return for a fifth and sixth series as we continue to grow this brand globally.”

All Creatures Great and Small is a Playground production for Channel 5 and MASTERPIECE in association with All3Media International.