Cast of All Creatures Great and Small: Then and Now

Few British period dramas have charmed audiences across generations like All Creatures Great and Small. From the original BBC series that ran from 1978 to 1990 to the beloved 2020 reboot, the show has seen its cast evolve in ways that delighted and sometimes surprised fans. We’ll explore the biggest casting changes, the off‑screen bonds that kept the original cast close, and what lies ahead for the vets of Darrowby.

Original series premiered: 1978 ·
2020 reboot premiered: 2020 ·
Total seasons (original): 7 ·
Total seasons (2020 reboot): 5 (as of 2025) ·
Main cast members (2020): 6 ·
Helen recast occurred: Between seasons 3 and 4 (original series)

Key facts at a glance

The table below summarizes essential production data for both series.

Why was Helen replaced in All Creatures Great and Small?

The recasting of Helen Alderson remains one of the most talked‑about changes in the original series. Carol Drinkwater played the role for the first three seasons (1978–1980) but left before season 4. Producers brought in Lynda Bellingham, who took over from 1981 until the series ended in 1990.

The recasting of Helen from Carol Drinkwater to Lynda Bellingham

• Carol Drinkwater portrayed Helen in 47 episodes across seasons 1‑3 and two specials (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).
• Lynda Bellingham played Helen in seasons 4‑7, appearing in 39 episodes (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).

Reasons behind Carol Drinkwater’s departure

Drinkwater later cited creative differences and a wish to pursue other projects. A Daily Mail report noted she felt the character had grown as far as it could under the current direction. The switch was controversial among fans, many of whom had grown attached to her portrayal.

“She felt the character had grown as far as it could under the current direction.” – Daily Mail, British tabloid

How the role changed after the recast

Bellingham’s Helen was slightly more assertive, reflecting the character’s growing confidence as a farmer’s wife. The tone of the series also evolved in the 1980s, with more episodes focusing on domestic life.

The implication: the recast altered the on-screen dynamic but did not break the series’ emotional core.

Who are the actors in season 6 of All Creatures Great and Small?

Season 6 of the 2020 reboot is confirmed for 2026. The core cast will return, with potential additions from later Herriot books.

Main cast lineup for the 2020 reboot’s sixth season

• Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia)
• Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia)
• Anna Madeley as Helen Herriot (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia)
• Rachel Shenton as Mrs. Hall (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia)
• Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia)

New additions and recurring characters in season 6

Producers have hinted at introducing a new love interest for Tristan and possibly a young apprentice vet, drawing from Herriot’s later memoirs. No official casting announcements have been made as of early 2025.

What this means: the cast remains stable, a deliberate choice to preserve the show’s signature chemistry.

Who does Siegfried marry in All Creatures Great and Small?

Siegfried Farnon’s romantic arc differs significantly between the original series and the 2020 reboot.

Siegfried Farnon’s romantic journey in the original series

• In the original, Siegfried marries Caroline Fisher in the 1983 Christmas Special after she returns from America (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).
• Caroline and Siegfried later have children, mentioned in a season 7 episode (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).
• Mrs. Hall is never a romantic interest for Siegfried in the original run.

Siegfried’s relationship with Mrs. Hall in the 2020 reboot

The reboot has steadily developed chemistry between Siegfried (Samuel West) and Mrs. Hall (Anna Madeley). The season 4 finale in 2023 ended with a lingering look that all but confirmed a romantic future. However, as of season 5, they have not married on screen.

Key differences between series regarding Siegfried’s love life

Original: Siegfried marries Caroline, and Mrs. Hall remains a housekeeper.
Reboot: Siegfried and Mrs. Hall are being set up as a couple. This change gives the reboot a fresh romantic thread but also alters the dynamic compared to the books.

The pattern: the reboot uses romantic tension as a narrative device absent from the source material.

What accident did Christopher Timothy have?

Christopher Timothy, who played James Herriot in the original series, suffered two notable accidents that affected his career.

Christopher Timothy’s car accident in 1990

In 1990, Timothy was involved in a serious car accident that required extensive rehabilitation and temporarily halted his work. He later returned to acting, including a reunion of the original cast. The exact details remain private, but he spoke about it in later interviews.

“I broke my pelvis and ribs in a riding accident.” – Christopher Timothy, as reported by Daily Mail, British tabloid

Recovery and return to acting

Timothy made a full recovery and continued acting into the 2000s and 2010s. In 2022, he appeared as a guest in the 2020 reboot as John Hamond, a farmer – a sentimental cameo for long‑time fans (Radio Times, UK TV listings magazine).

Impact on his career and role in the original series

The accident did not affect his role in the original series, which had already ended in 1990. However, it delayed some post‑series appearances and public engagements.

The catch: the 1990 accident was a car crash, while the 2020 incident was a riding accident – two separate events that both tested his endurance.

Are Peter Davison and Christopher Timothy friends?

Peter Davison (Tristan Farnon) and Christopher Timothy (James Herriot) struck up a genuine friendship during the filming of the original series. The bond has lasted decades.

On‑screen friendship between Tristan and James

On screen, the playful banter between the younger brother Tristan and the earnest James was one of the show’s highlights. Their chemistry was natural because the actors were already close.

Real‑life bond between Peter Davison and Christopher Timothy

Davison and Timothy have described each other as close friends in interviews. They have reunited for charity events, such as a 2018 panel for the Yorkshire Vet charity. The Daily Express reported in 2021 that they “remain in regular contact” (Daily Express, British newspaper).

“They remain in regular contact.” – Daily Express, British newspaper

Rare public appearances together

In 2019, both actors attended a 50th anniversary celebration of James Herriot’s books. Their easy rapport in public suggests the friendship is as genuine as fans imagine.

The consequence: Davison and Timothy’s bond continues to be a touchstone for fans of the original series.

Comparison: Original vs. Reboot Cast

This comparison shows how the two casts differ across five key roles.

The pattern: the reboot avoided the recasting headaches of the original by locking a single actor for each role.

Timeline of key cast events

• 1978 – Original series premieres with Christopher Timothy as James Herriot (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).
• 1981 – Lynda Bellingham replaces Carol Drinkwater as Helen Alderson (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).
• 1990 – Original series ends; Christopher Timothy injured in car accident (Daily Mail, British tabloid).
• 2020 – Reboot premieres on Channel 5 / PBS with Nicholas Ralph (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).
• 2023 – Season 4 finale hints at Siegfried‑Hall romance (episode, no independent source).
• 2025 – Season 5 airs; season 6 announced for 2026 (Wikipedia, online encyclopedia).

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

The implication: the series’ legacy is built on verifiable facts, but key storylines remain open for future seasons.

The enduring appeal of All Creatures Great and Small lies in its cast, both past and present, with actors like Nicholas Ralph and Samuel West carrying the legacy forward.

Related reading: Cast of This City Is Ours

Frequently asked questions