FILM crews will be returning to Grassington and other parts of the Dales next year for a second series of All Creatures Great and Small, it has been confirmed.

The Channel 5 adaptation based on the much loved books by James Herriot was watched by 4.7 million viewers when it was screened earlier this year, and was the most popular ratings launch for a drama commission ever for Channel 5. A much anticipated special episode is due to be screened over Christmas.

A second series has now been commissioned and will feature a further six episodes and once again, a Christmas special, with filming expected to take place next year.

The new All Creatures Great and Small was launched earlier this year as the country experienced the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic and was heralded as ‘heartwarming’ and providing ‘irresistible’ escapism.

Back for the second series will be Nicholas Ralph as vet James Herriot, Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall and Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon. Channel 5 has yet to say who will replace Dame Diana Rigg as Mrs Pumphrey, who died on September 10. She was not due to appear in the Christmas special and made her last appearance , filmed at Broughton Hall, in episode four.

Sebastian Cardwell, Channel 5 deputy director of programmes, said: “In challenging times, this new adaptation gained a special place in the heart of the British public. With values of community spirit, solidarity and heart-felt compassion, these stories are important ones for us to tell, now more than ever. I’m delighted that we will be seeing more of James and his Darrowby family when they return to our screens soon.”

The series is being made by production company Playground and will receive funding and support from Screen Yorkshire.

Colin Callender, executive producer and chief executive of Playground, said: “All Creatures Great and Small has struck such a chord with audiences worldwide who were hungry for an entertaining, family-friendly show that provided some respite from the complicated and messy times we live in. We’re very excited to return home to our family at Skeldale House and to transport viewers back to Darrowby for more veterinary antics in the Yorkshire Dales.”