The Yorkshire Vet | Series 18 Preview (Channel 5)

The Yorkshire Vet returns to follow all the drama, laughter and tears as a group of town and country vets, at four different practices across the county, help animals of all kinds. Christopher Timothy, who once played the world’s most famous vet, James Herriot, provides the series narration.

Peter Wright, who was trained in Thirsk by Herriot himself, has more than 40 years’ experience treating all kinds of animals. After leaving Skeldale Veterinary Centre, his old boss’s original practice, he now works out of Grace Lane Vets in Kirkbymoorside, on the edge of the moors in North Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, Julian Norton, Peter’s former partner at Skeldale, has opened a practice back in Thirsk, which he runs alongside his wife, Anne. Julian is also a partner at Sandbeck Veterinary Centre in Wetherby, just across Yorkshire.

Following in their footsteps in upholding the Herriot ethos are a team of young vets at the Donaldson’s practice in West Yorkshire. They include Matt Smith, Shona Searson, David Melleney and Rohin Aojula. Although they are based at a state-of-the-art animal hospital in Huddersfield, Donaldson’s is another traditional mixed practice – their work involves caring for farm animals, wildlife and popular pets as well as some that are more exotic.

The vets also encounter all kinds of colourful characters, from children to kindly old ladies to larger-than-life, straight-talking farmers.

Yorkshire is the series’ other leading character. As we follow the vets to more remote farm locations, the countryside provides a stunning, ever-changing backdrop. And whatever the weather, they continue the Herriot tradition – treating all creatures great and small.

In the first episode, Peter heads out into England’s green and pleasant land of Yorkshire once more. He faces a difficult lambing at an old friend’s farm - the baby’s legs are hanging out and it’s in a nightmare position. Rohin meets a Lord who lives in a back garden “chateau” - Lord Pablo Porcini 1st is a pot-bellied pig, whose owner makes sure the young vet knows is her entire world.

Julian heads into surgery, hoping to give another anxious owner more precious time with her elderly dog. Meanwhile, the milkshakes bring the boys to the farmyard, as Matt and David sample some locally produced dairy products. And Matt has to help a very cool visitor to the hospital – a Harris hawk with sore legs.

The Yorkshire Vet returns Tuesday 23rd April at 8pm on Channel 5.