All Creatures Great and Small star predicts show's future and whether it will end any time soon
"There is an end in sight."
Autumn has officially arrived, and with it comes the latest instalment of All Creatures Great and Small — and it's been an eventful start, to say the least.
From Mrs Hall's absence, now thankfully resolved, to Siegfried's increasingly frequent meltdowns, there's never a dull day in Darrowby, and the cast are hopeful there's plenty more to come beyond the current episodes.
"There are definitely more stories to tell," said Nicholas Ralph on the show's future. "And I can speak for myself when I say I'd love to do more."
Callum Woodhouse is equally keen to return, though he believes "there is an end in sight".
"You never want to outstay your welcome," he said. "You never want to keep going until it starts to feel a bit stale or overworked."
But he's confident that point is still far off.
"At the same time, I don't think we're done yet at all," Woodhouse continued. "There are absolutely more stories to tell. I don't think we’re going anywhere soon, but I also don't think we’ll be a forever type thing."
On the topic of a potential spin-off, Woodhouse revealed an idea he'd love to see realised.
"Do you know, funnily enough, the main spin-off I see happening is Jenny," he said. "I think Jenny should have her own show. You could pair her with someone really rogue – like Jenny and Mrs Pumphrey. How wild would that series be? Like a buddy cop show: Jenny and Mrs Pumphrey. That would be incredible."
Most of all, he's hopeful for an All Creatures film.
"There have been murmurings, mainly between us as a cast, who desperately want a film to happen," he said. "We've got Brian Percival directing the series, who was the main maestro behind Downton Abbey. And what film are they on now? How many have they had? Can we maybe have one? [Laughs]."
For now, the characters themselves are looking ahead to brighter days – "as victory in Europe is declared".
"There is the promise of peace at last," the synopsis continues, "but James is yearning for a greater sense of peace at the surgery as he juggles vet work with a busy family life and an exceptionally challenging Siegfried".
Read more:
- All Creatures Great and Small welcomes new addition to Skeldale House – but it's not smooth sailing
- All Creatures Great and Small's Siegfried sheepish after awkward James encounter
Elsewhere: "Helen enjoys time with young Jimmy and Rosie, but faces big changes at Heston, while Tristan returns home after several years at war and must readjust to life in Darrowby. Meanwhile, Mrs Hall works hard to bring everyone back together and restore harmony at the surgery.
"We watch as the characters reconnect, rediscover their purpose, and look toward a brighter future as the world around them begins to breathe again".
All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-5 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon.
If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.
