List of All Creatures Great and Small (1978–1990 TV series) characters

This entry details the major and recurring characters featured in the BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small, which aired from 1978 to 1990 and was based on the semi-autobiographical books of James Herriot (James Alfred Wight).

Main Characters:

• James Herriot (played by Christopher Timothy): The protagonist of the series, a newly qualified veterinary surgeon who arrives in the Yorkshire Dales to work for Siegfried Farnon. He is generally kind, conscientious, and a quick learner, though occasionally naïve. Over the course of the series, he matures into an experienced and respected vet, eventually becoming a partner in the practice.

• Siegfried Farnon (played by Robert Hardy): The eccentric and unpredictable senior partner at Skeldale House. A highly skilled vet, he can be both brilliant and maddening, often switching between being a supportive mentor and a demanding taskmaster. Despite his flaws, he has a good heart and cares deeply for James and Tristan.

• Tristan Farnon (played by Peter Davison): Siegfried's younger brother, who is perpetually a veterinary student (and later, a qualified but unreliable vet). He is charming, mischievous, and often irresponsible, much to Siegfried's exasperation. He enjoys practical jokes and avoiding work, but occasionally shows flashes of genuine veterinary talent.

• Helen Alderson/Herriot (played by Carol Drinkwater (series 1-3, 1978-1980), Lynda Bellingham (series 4-7, 1988-1990)): A local farmer's daughter who initially assists on her family's farm. She becomes a close friend and eventually James's wife. She is practical, down-to-earth, and provides a stabilizing influence in James's life.

Recurring Characters:

• Mrs. Hall (played by Mary Hignett (series 1-3, 1978-1980), Diana Hope (series 4-7, 1988-1990)): The Skeldale House housekeeper. She is a motherly figure who keeps the household running smoothly and provides a calming presence amidst the chaos.

• Granville Bennett (played by James Grout): A gruff but ultimately fair local farmer and client of the practice. He represents the traditional Yorkshire farming community.

• Roddy (played by Gary Clayton): Helen's younger brother, who helps on the farm.

• Deirdre McEwan (played by Andrea Gibb): A young woman who becomes Tristan's girlfriend in later series.

• Calum Buchanan (played by John McGlynn): A veterinary assistant who works at Skeldale House in the later series, filling a similar role to Tristan.

Notable One-Off Characters:

Numerous other characters appeared in individual episodes, often representing specific clients, farmers, or animals with memorable stories. These characters, though not recurring, contributed significantly to the series' charm and depiction of rural life. They were portrayed by a wide range of British actors.

Character Development and Accuracy:

The characters were generally well-received for their authenticity and depth, and for capturing the spirit of James Herriot's books. Changes in actors (particularly for the role of Helen) sometimes impacted audience perception, but the core personalities remained consistent.