Channel 5’s acclaimed drama All Creatures Great and Small is set to return with both series seven and eight officially confirmed, alongside two festive specials. The beloved drama, inspired by James Herriot’s timeless novels, continues to captivate audiences with its touching period tales.
Series seven picks up after the 2025 Christmas special, which was marked by significant developments including the return of Helen Herriot, played by Rachel Shenton. Set in 1945, Darrowby celebrates its first Christmas since the end of World War II, emphasizing period details such as the scarcity of Christmas trees and turkey. The series explores the emotional aftermath of the war, with characters like Maggie mourning a lost husband and Tristan Farnon grappling with PTSD.
Filming for the new episodes began in February, with Channel 5 sharing a behind-the-scenes photo featuring a clapperboard on set. The broadcaster excitedly announced, “Look who’s back in Darrowby… The cast and crew are officially back in Yorkshire as filming begins on Series 7 of All Creatures Great And Small. We can’t wait to return to Darrowby with you all.” Fans expressed their enthusiasm online, celebrating the show as both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
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In April, Samuel West, who plays Siegfried Farnon, shared stunning behind-the-scenes shots showcasing the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales scenery. One image shows Nicholas Ralph, wearing his James Herriot costume, gazing out over the region’s rolling hills. West captioned the photo: “Nick enjoying today’s location near Burnside. Feel very blessed to be working in the Dales on days like these.” Actor Tony Pitts also posted a glimpse into filming as Richard Alderson, set against a rustic backdrop with chickens, simply captioned “Work.”
The production has been spotted across West and North Yorkshire with Grassington standing in for the fictional village of Darrowby. Given the show’s typical annual release since 2020, with most seasons premiering in autumn, series seven is expected around this fall.
While Channel 5 remains tight-lipped about plots, Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at 5, hinted at “many new stories still to tell and more unforgettable adventures ahead.” Barnett praised the series as “a jewel in 5’s drama crown,” highlighting its warmth, humour, and beautiful Yorkshire setting as reasons for its enduring popularity.
Rachel Shenton, reflecting on her role as Helen Herriot, shared hopes for her character’s storyline this season. She wishes for Helen and James to experience some lighthearted moments after the war’s heavy toll. “It’s been so serious for everyone,” Shenton said. “The men are home, but they’re not quite the same, and we see the impact the war has had on everyone, including lovely Maggie’s loss.”
As eagerly awaited as ever, All Creatures Great and Small promises more emotional depth and stunning visuals in its upcoming episodes, ready to transport viewers back to post-war Yorkshire.