All Creatures Great and Small fans can watch a prequel on James Herriot(Image: CHANNEL 5)
An All Creatures Great and Small prequel delved into James Herriot’s life before he arrived in Yorkshire.
The reboot of All Creatures Great and Small broadcast on Channel 5 in 2020, following the original series, which aired on BBC One from 1978 until its final episode in 1990.
The much-loved show follows James Herriot’s, played by Nicholas Ralph, adventures as a veterinarian in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s.
The new season is expected to continue the lives of the Skeldale House team and family in post-war Yorkshire in the 1940s, with filming commencing in February.
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Meanwhile, fans waiting for the new episodes to air on Channel 5 can enjoy a prequel miniseries that originally aired on BBC One in 2011.
Young James Herriot aired in 2011 and documents the vet’s earlier years
Young James Herriot follows the vet in his early years as a student at Glasgow Veterinary College before he arrived at Skeldale House to work with Siegfried Farnon. Set in 1933, the three-part series is based on the early works of veterinary surgeon James Herriot, whose tale is also told in All Creatures Great and Small.
After being ripped off for lodging, James falls on hard times but is thrust into caring for sick farm animals and a kennel of dogs. He is also on hand to support his acquaintances and soon realises medicine is initially harder than expected, but it doesn’t dampen his passion for being a vet.
In the drama, the lead role is played by Iain De Caestecker, who soap fans will recognise as Coronation Street’s Adam Barlow between 2001 and 2003. He has also starred in Monarch of the Glen, Taggart, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, and The Winter King.
Sadly, after the first season, the BBC decided not to commission further seasons of Young James Herriot, despite the first episode pulling in 6 million viewers.
Young James Herriot follows the vet during his early days in Glasgow before he moved to Yorkshire(Image: BBC/Shed Productions)
“Young James Herriot will not be coming back,” said a spokesman for the BBC at the time. “It was a three-part event piece stripped across the week before Christmas.”
All Creatures Great and Small fans have since shared their views on Young James Herriot, with some wanting more episodes.
On IMDb, one fan dubbed the series “A wonderful adaptation!” before adding: “There’s something about BBC miniseries’ that I just love, some are comforting and are good for watching in a cosy environment, others are thrilling and leave you on the edge of your seat – both in worry and anticipation.
“For me, this series falls into the former but it isn’t without its leave-you-wanting-more moments.”
“I loved the old series and this new one, too,” a second added, as one more chimed in: “Very interesting to have influences in his life included. I have to give it only 8 out of 10 because it looks like we’re going to be left hanging. If it weren’t for that, I’d probably give it a 9 or even 10.”
Young James Herriot is available to stream on Prime Video, and All Creatures Great and Small is streaming on Channel 5
