Newcomer Nicholas Ralph Cast as Lead in ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ Remake

Lawrence Yee

Nicolas Ralph will make his television debut playing the lead in the remake of the popular British series “All Creatures Great and Small.” Ralph will play James Herriot, a handsome and compassionate veterinarian who brings his practice to the country. Christopher Timothy portrayed Herriot in the original series, which ran for seven seasons and 90 episodes from 1977 to 1990 on BBC1 and PBS.

This latest adaptation of best-selling author James Herriot’s cherished collection of stories is written by Ben Vanstone (The Last Kingdom) and directed by Brian Percival (“Downton Abbey”).

Samuel West (“Mr. Selfridge,” “On Chesil Beach”) joins as Siegfried Farnon, the wonderfully eccentric veterinary surgeon and proprietor of Skeldale House who reluctantly hires the recently qualifiedHerriot into his rural practice. Mrs. Hall, the resident housekeeper and matriarch of Skeldale House will be played by Anna Madeley (“The Child in Time,” “Patrick Melrose”). Siegfried’s errant and charismatic younger brother, Tristan, will be played by Callum Woodhouse (“The Durrells in Corfu”). Rachel Shenton (“Switched at Birth,” “White Gold”) takes the role of Helen Alderson, an independent local farmer’s daughter who helps her father manage the family farm and care for her younger sister.

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“This is an exceptional cast made up of a wonderful mix of exciting new and established talent,” says executive producer Colin Callender. “Re-visiting the world of ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ is like going home and re-discovering old friends whom we haven’t seen in years. We’re thrilled to be bringing James Herriot’s beloved characters back to life with Sam, Anna, Callum, Rachel and Nicholas.”

“This is exactly the right ensemble cast to deliver the warmth, wit and charm of ‘All Creatures Great and Small,'” says MASTERPIECE executive producer Rebecca Eaton. “Like the original, this new series will capture the hearts of MASTERPIECE viewers.”

Colin Callender’s Playground is producing an initial of six-episode season plus a Christmas special. It is the latest drama commission announced for Channel 5. MASTERPIECE on PBS in the US will co-produce and All3Media International is the international partner. The production will also receive funding and support from Screen Yorkshire.

Read original story Newcomer Nicholas Ralph Cast as Lead in ‘All Creatures Great and Small’ Remake At TheWrap