All Creatures Great & Small Season 6 is set to return to the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales on September 26, 2025, on PBS. The series, based on the beloved books by James Herriot, continues to charm audiences with its heartwarming tales of a young veterinarian and the colorful community of farmers he serves. At the heart of the show is its exceptional ensemble cast, whose performances bring the spirit of 1930s England to life. Let’s take a closer look at the talented actors who make Skeldale House feel like home.
All Creatures Great & Small Season 6: Who is the Cast
1- Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon
Samuel West, born in London on June 19, 1966, comes from a distinguished acting lineage as the son of actors Timothy West and Prunella Scales. He built a formidable career on the British stage and screen long before donning the tweeds of Siegfried Farnon. West’s television career is extensive and varied, featuring acclaimed performances in period dramas like The Mystery of Edwin Drood and modern series such as Mr. Selfridge and Poldark. His role as Siegfried, the eccentric but deeply caring senior veterinarian, allows him to showcase a masterful range, blending irascibility with a hidden vulnerability that has become a cornerstone of the show’s emotional depth.
Beyond television, Samuel West is an accomplished film actor and a renowned director for the stage. He delivered a memorable performance as Leonard Bast in the award-winning Merchant Ivory film Howards End (1992) and has appeared in major productions like Notting Hill (1999) and Darkest Hour (2017). A respected theatre actor and director, he has led productions for the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. His portrayal of Siegfried Farnon is a career-defining role, perfectly capturing the character’s internal conflict between tradition and progress, all while delivering some of the series’ most witty and poignant moments.
2– Anna Madeley as Mrs. Hall
Anna Madeley, born on May 26, 1976, in London, is a classically trained actress known for her subtle and powerful performances. She began her career primarily in theatre, earning the nickname “the new Judi Dench” from The Guardian for her stage work. Madeley’s television career is marked by intelligent choices in both classic and contemporary pieces, including roles in The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister, Deadwater Fell, and the crime series The Crown, where she played the poignant role of Sylvia Lascelles. Her ability to convey immense warmth and quiet strength made her the perfect choice for the matriarchal heart of Skeldale House, Mrs. Hall.
In film, Anna Madeley has appeared in a variety of genres, from the romantic comedy Love Actually (2003) to the political thriller The Christmas Candle (2013) and the biopic The Iron Lady (2011). However, it is her role as Mrs. Hall that has become her most celebrated. She brings an incredible grace and resilience to the housekeeper, whose past is gradually revealed with great sensitivity. Madeley’s performance ensures that Mrs. Hall is far more than just a caretaker; she is the moral compass and emotional anchor for the entire Farnon household, a performance of immense quiet power.
3- Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot
Nicholas Ralph, born in Aberdeen, Scotland, catapulted to fame with his debut professional acting role as James Herriot. His natural affinity for the character, coupled with his authentic Scottish accent, made him the ideal choice to play the young, idealistic vet. Before landing his career-defining role, Ralph trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, honing his craft for the stage. His television presence is defined by a genuine, understated charm that perfectly captures Herriot’s wonder and compassion as he navigates the challenges and joys of rural veterinary practice.
The role of James Herriot has been a transformative one for Ralph, establishing him as a leading man in British television. His portrayal is the audience’s entry point into the world of the Dales, and he carries the series with a relatable and heartfelt performance. While All Creatures Great and Small remains his breakout role, his successful embodiment of such an iconic literary character has undoubtedly paved the way for a promising future in film and television, showcasing his ability to lead a major international series with warmth and authenticity.
4- Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot
Rachel Shenton, born in Stoke-on-Trent, England, on December 21, 1987, is not only an actress but also an accomplished screenwriter. She first gained significant attention on television for her roles in popular British soaps like Hollyoaks and Switched at Birth. However, it was her dedication to storytelling with a purpose that truly set her apart; she wrote and starred in the Oscar-winning live-action short film The Silent Child (2017), which was inspired by her own experience with a father who became deaf. This commitment to authentic representation informs her performance as the practical, kind-hearted farmer’s daughter, Helen Alderson.
As Helen Herriot, Shenton brings a grounded strength and intelligence to the character. Her journey from a capable, independent woman running her family’s farm to becoming James’s wife and partner is portrayed with remarkable nuance. Shenton ensures that Helen remains her own person, a modern woman in a traditional setting. Her chemistry with Nicholas Ralph is a key ingredient in the show’s success, providing a central romantic storyline that feels both genuine and earned. Shenton’s performance makes Helen a beloved and respected figure in the series.
5- Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon
Callum Woodhouse, born in 1994, is best known to audiences for his two very different but equally memorable television roles. Prior to Skeldale House, he played the unlikeable DS. Spike Tanner in the ITV crime drama The Durrells. His casting as the charming, slightly wayward younger brother Tristan Farnon demonstrated his impressive range. Woodhouse masterfully captures Tristan’s boyish mischievousness and his deep-seated desire to prove himself worthy of his brother’s respect and to succeed in his veterinary studies.
Woodhouse’s portrayal provides much of the show’s comic relief, but he also handles Tristan’s more dramatic arcs with great skill. The character’s journey from a playful scamp to a responsible young man, including his experiences in the war, is one of the series’ most compelling growth narratives. Woodhouse brings a lovable energy and heart to the role, making the fraternal dynamic between Siegfried and Tristan one of the most authentic and emotionally resonant relationships in the entire series.
6- Imogen Clawson as Jenny Alderson
Imogen Clawson is a rising talent who joined the cast as Jenny Alderson, Helen’s younger sister. Though details of her broader career are still emerging, her performance in All Creatures Great and Small has made a significant impact. She brings a youthful exuberance and a different perspective to the Alderson family dynamic. Her character often serves as a reminder of the simpler, more playful side of life in the Dales, contrasting with the heavier responsibilities shouldered by her sister and father.
Clawson’s portrayal of Jenny is fresh and authentic, adding another layer to the show’s rich tapestry of community characters. She represents the younger generation of Dalesfolk, whose futures are intertwined with the land and the people around them. Her presence in the Alderson household adds depth to Helen’s backstory and provides a fuller picture of family life in 1930s Yorkshire.
7- Tony Pitts as Richard Alderson
Tony Pitts, born in Sheffield, England, is a veteran actor and screenwriter with a long and respected career in British television. For decades, he has been a familiar face in gritty dramas, most notably playing the menacing Sgt. Ian Reed for over a decade in the long-running series Emmerdale. His rugged demeanor and authentic Northern accent make him a natural fit for the role of Richard Alderson, the stoical and sometimes stubborn farmer who is Helen and Jenny’s father.
Pitts brings a formidable presence and a deep sense of realism to the character of Mr. Alderson. He perfectly embodies the tough, no-nonsense Yorkshire farmer who is slow to trust but fiercely loyal once you earn his respect. His initial skepticism of James Herriot and the gradual warming of their relationship is a subtle but important subplot in the series. Pitts’ performance grounds the show in the authentic world of the farmers, whose lives and livelihoods are central to the veterinarians’ work.
8- Will Thorp as Gerald Hammond
Will Thorp, born in Bristol, England, is a versatile actor known for his roles in television, theatre, and audio dramas. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Matt in the long-running BBC soap Casualty and later as Chris Gray in Doctor Who, a role that endeared him to sci-fi fans. His rugged charm and everyman quality made him an excellent choice for Gerald Hammond, the local auctioneer and a friendly rival for Helen’s affections in the early seasons.
Thorp’s character, while not always central to the main plot, represents an important part of the local community and Helen’s life before James. He brings a genial and confident energy to the role, creating a character who is likable even when he is positioned as a romantic obstacle. His presence adds to the rich social fabric of the Dales, showing the interconnected lives of the villagers beyond Skeldale House.
9- Mollie Winnard as Maggie
Mollie Winnard, an actress from Burnley, England, initially gained fame as a dancer on the reality show Britannia High before transitioning to acting. She is best known for her role as Kayla Clifton in the soap opera Coronation Street. In All Creatures Great and Small, she plays Maggie, a local barmaid who shares a flirtatious and warm relationship with Tristan Farnon. Her character adds a touch of romance and light-heartedness to the younger characters’ storylines.
Winnard brings a sparkling, cheerful presence to the screen as Maggie. She represents the social life of the village, often appearing in the local pub where the characters gather. Her interactions with Tristan provide some of the show’s more playful moments, and her character is a fixture in the community, helping to create the feeling of a lived-in, believable world where everyone knows everyone else.
