The seventh season of Channel 5's reboot of "All Creatures Great and Small" is currently being filmed in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, a landscape that has served as the enduring backdrop for the adaptations of James Herriot's beloved books. The series, which continues to attract a significant audience, draws viewers in with its portrayal of post-war rural England and the dedication of its veterinary characters.
The filming locations, such as the village of Arncliffe and the town of Grassington, are meticulously prepared to evoke the mid-20th century setting. Modern signage is removed to maintain historical authenticity, while Skeldale House, the veterinary surgery featured in the series, is filmed at different locations for its exterior and interior shots. The production incorporates vintage cars and carriages to further enhance the period feel.
Animal Welfare on Set
Executive producer Sharon Moran highlighted the production's commitment to animal welfare. Unlike earlier iterations of the series that used real animals for more graphic scenes, the current production employs prosthetics for such instances. Animals used in filming, including heritage breeds of geese, ducks, donkeys, hens, goats, cows, and sheep, are cared for at a nearby "holding farm" and are intended to live out their natural lives. Animals that are trained for specific roles, such as dogs, typically go to foster homes at the end of each filming day. A team of veterinarians is present on set during all filming activities.
Horse master Mark Atkinson, who has worked on various productions including "Poldark" and "Peaky Blinders," oversees the horses involved in the series. Jill Clark, an animal handler, manages a variety of animals on the holding farm, including dogs, rats, and sheep that have been trained for specific actions.
Recreating the Veterinary Practice
The production office features a sound stage that meticulously recreates the original Skeldale House surgery from Thirsk, now a museum dedicated to the real-life James Herriot, James Alfred Wight. The set includes authentic props such as medicine bottles and period-appropriate kitchen items. Costume designers focus on period accuracy, with a wide array of tweed, floral dresses, and knitted tank tops for the characters, often responding to viewer feedback regarding continuity.
The series, which has captivated an audience of 14 million viewers, continues to explore the lives of its characters in the Yorkshire Dales. The new season is set to return this September, offering viewers a glimpse into the enduring appeal of Herriot's stories and the scenic beauty of his fictional and real-life home. The series aims to provide a sense of comfort and reassurance, even as it touches upon the realities of the post-war era.
The North Yorkshire landscape, characterized by its moors, dry-stone walls, and rolling hills dotted with sheep and cows, remains a central element of the show's appeal.
Nicholas Ralph portrays James Herriot in the current series, with Callum Woodhouse playing Siegfried Farnon's younger brother Tristan and Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon. Rachel Shenton plays Helen Herriot. The series also features Patricia Hodge as Mrs. Pumphrey, taking over the role previously played by the late Diana Rigg.
The original series, which aired from 1978 to 1990, starred Christopher Timothy as James Herriot, the late Robert Hardy as Siegfried Farnon, and Peter Davison.
