Midsomer Murders

All Creatures Great and Small is back on Channel 5 and will see the return of all the fan-favourites including Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon

All Creatures Great and Small is making a triumphant return to Channel 5, bringing back all the beloved characters including Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon.

The first episode, dubbed Gathering the Flock, showcases James and Tristan (portrayed by Callum Woodhouse) taking drastic measures after witnessing Siegfried’s wild and disorderly conduct, with some touching behind-the-scenes moments.

Anna Madeley reprises her role as Mrs Hall, alongside Rachel Shenton as James’s wife Helen. Tony Pitts and Imogen Clawson also make a comeback as Helen’s father and sister, Richard and Jenny.

The sixth series will also welcome back Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey and Mollie Winnard as Maggie.

Here’s everything you need to know about the guest stars for the first episode of the sixth series.

READ MORE: All Creatures Great and Small star confirms character’s exit in series 6 updateREAD MORE: All Creatures Great and Small star shares thoughts on Siegfried and Mrs Hall – and fans will be upset

All Creatures Great and Small series 6 episode 1 cast

Archie Tredwell – Wayne Foskett

Wayne Foskett joins the cast for the opening episode. The 61 year old English actor is renowned for his roles in Merlin, Silent Witness and Midsomer Murders.

He’s also an avid artist and has showcased his works at the Jardiniere art exhibition.

Fans might also recognise him as Richard Stark from Game of Thrones or as Tom in Lightfields.

Jimmy Herriot – Thomas Riches

James’s son Jimmy is portrayed by Thomas Riches, but little is known about the young star at this point.

Susan – Lucy-Jo Hudson

Susan, an acquaintance of Siegfried’s, is played by Lucy-Jo Hudson, a 42 year old actress hailing from Leeds.

She’s the sister of rugby league player Ryan Hudson and was previously married to Coronation Street actor Alan Halsall, who portrays Tyrone Dobbs, until 2018.

The mum-of-two is recognised for her roles as Katy Harris in Coronation Street, Rosie Trevanion in Wild at Heart and Donna-Marie Quinn in Hollyoaks.

Rosie Herriot – Arlie and Autumn Doyle

Arlie and Autumn Doyle join the cast as James and Helen’s daughter Rosie, but little is known about these young twins.

Mary – Siena Marsden

Siena Marsden joins the cast as Mary, Edward’s daughter, although not much is known about this young actress yet.

Edward Hall – Conor Deane

Conor Deane returns as Mrs Hall’s son Edward, and he is also known for his roles as Fred Holdsworth in The Hardacres and Kyre Branson in Sherwood.

His other credits include Ridley, Happy Valley and What It Feels Like for a Girl.

All Creatures Great and Small airs on Channel 5 on September 25 at 9pm

Midsomer Murders star Daniel Casey has opened up about his decision to leave the ITV series after seven years on the show alongside John Nettles

Midsomer Murders favourite Daniel Casey has lifted the lid on his choice to depart the ITV drama.

Daniel and John Nettles starred together on the programme from its launch in 1996 until Daniel’s exit in 2003.

In a fresh chat on BBC Breakfast, Daniel reflected on his departure, confessing it wasn’t a tough choice.

Presenter Sarah Campbell grilled Daniel about leaving Midsomer Murders and whether it proved a “difficult decision”.

“It was fairly easy, actually,” the actor revealed before continuing, “I started when I was 24, and left when I was 30. Funnily enough, I was thinking about it, and I was watching a rugby match, and there was commentary,” reports the Express.

“It was last-minute, and it was South Africa versus New Zealand, and New Zealand were three points behind, and they had a penalty, and I said, ‘Oh, you should have kicked the goal’. They said, ‘No, they kicked to the corner’.”

He went on, “And I said, ‘Well, that’s a risk’. And the commentator said, ‘Oh, the only risk in life is never to take a risk’.

“It felt like he was talking to me, and I thought I didn’t come into this job to do the same thing year on year on year. So I thought, it’s a nice time to just step off the cliff and see what else is out there.”

The performer, who initially portrayed DS Gavin Troy opposite John Nettles’ Detective Tom Barnaby in the beloved ITV series, is preparing to take on DCI Tom Barnaby in a fresh theatrical adaptation of the programme.

When discussing his comeback, Daniel grinned: “It’s really exciting, really exciting. It’s lovely to come back. I never thought that I would revisit this amazing, weird, wonderful, strange, old world again, but, but yeah, it’s lovely to be embarking on a tour and bringing it to the stage.

“It’s the original episode, The Killings of Badgers Drift. It’s very faithful to that original, and that kind of the actuality that you have in the television series. It lends itself beautifully to the stage.”

BBC host Jon Kay then quizzed the actor about his “big promotion” and taking on the role previously occupied by John Nettles.

“It’s quite daunting, actually,” Daniel confessed. “It’s amazing. It’s really wonderful.

“John is such a lovely man, and it was such an important part of my early career, and he said it himself. He said, ‘I learned at the feet of the master,’ and actually, I did.

“He was incredible, and I stood beside him for what, seven years, so a lot of that has influenced me, I hope.”

BBC Breakfast broadcasts daily at 6am on BBC One.