ANIMAL CHARM!
RACHEL SHENTON AND NICHOLAS RALPH STAR IN A BRAND-NEW ADAPTATION OF THE CLASSIC BOOK SERIES…
ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL | Channel 5 TUESDAY
It shouldn’t happen to a vet – but it invariably does! Inside TV is particularly excited this week, as Channel 5 has breathed new life into the classic series of novels written by real-life veterinary surgeon James Alfred Wright – better known by his pen name, James Herriot. The books, about James’ own experiences as a vet in the 1930s and 40s, were a huge success, and led to several film and television adaptations – the most famous being the BBC’S series which ran from 1978 to 1990. In this new take on the beloved classic, newcomer Nicholas Ralph takes the central role of James Herriot, who – fresh out of Glasgow Veterinary College – travels to the Dales to follow his dream… “I had an instant connection with James,” says the star. “He was so funny, loveable, charming and awkward. I admired his compassion for the animals, his intelligence, and his passion for his field. He’s a three-dimensional character, being based on a real person, so you have all this material – all these true stories.” After arriving in Yorkshire, it’s not long before James encounters farm girl Helen Alderson, played by Rachel Shenton, and the vet is instantly smitten…
“On their first meeting, Helen is bemused by James,” says Rachel, best known to Inside Soap as Hollyoaks’ Mitzeee. “Helen has grown up in Darrowby, so is well aware of all the goings-on in the village, but James is very new and fresh, which intrigues her.” Of course, there are plenty of challenges for a vet in 1930s Yorkshire – and even more for the actors… “I had tractor lessons, I got to drive vintage cars, and I met all sorts of amazing animals!” chuckles Rachel. “I read in the script how Helen heroically wrangles Clive the bull, and I thought, ‘Oh, my goodness, how am I ever going to be able to do that?’ I’d never been personal with a bull before, so I asked to meet him before I filmed the scene. He was absolutely huge, but had a real gentleness about
him. He was a joy to film with, and completely unfazed by all the cameras!” “Rachel and I got to meet cows, horses and sheep – and there was no holding back,” adds Nicholas. “We were straight in there in our wellies and vet coats, getting up close with the animals – and taking a cow’s heartbeat!” “The biggest challenge came from the elements,” reveals Rachel. “We filmed in the middle of winter, so we were up against wind, rain and snow! But I’m not complaining, as Yorkshire is so beautiful, whatever the weather. Sometimes we just had to wait for a storm to pass.” “One morning it was pouring with rain, and I was measuring ponies with this big stick,” Nicholas tells us. “It was taking forever, as I was shivering from the cold – it was just a challenge to get my lines out in that downpour! But we also got to film some really fun scenes. I absolutely loved driving the vintage cars. You couldn’t get me out of them! I loved driving really fast, around some tight bends – I just hope we can do it again!”