The Yorkshire Vets meet Nicholas Ralph from All Creatures (Image: CHANNEL 5)
All Creatures Great and Small, one of Channel 5’s most successful shows ever, was inspired by the life and career of famed vet James Herriot, portrayed by Nicholas Ralph. A Christmas special is set to broadcast later this month, and viewers will have a chance to peek behind the curtain of the show in a unique documentary.
Tonight, from 7pm on Channel 5, audiences can watch Peter Wright, known as The Yorkshire Vet, and fellow vet Shona Searson interact with some of the All Creatures cast. The documentary features the main characters filming the 2022 holiday special.
Peter not only had the opportunity to catch up with stars like Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton, but . Later in the programme, Samuel West and Anna Madeley delve into the real-life story and career of James Herriot.
Peter was thrilled to introduce Samuel, who portrays Siegfried Farnon, to individuals who knew Donald Sinclair, the real-life inspiration for his character. Peter had both a professional and personal relationship with the real James and Donald, and he holds many fond memories.
After graduating from the University of Liverpool in 1981, he worked at the actual Skeldale House for several years. After working with the real James and Donald, he would regale the younger vets with stories from his time with them, reports .
Peter Wright worked at Skeldale for many years (Image: Channel 5)
Peter would often seek Alf’s advice on the job, while Alf would also gain a lot from Peter about changes in treatment methods.
Peter opened up to The Yorkshire Post about his mentor, saying: “He had a huge amount of experience when I was a young, fresh graduate and in that situation I used to go to him for advice.”
He fondly recalled how the vet would inquire about new treatment methods, noting, “He would ask me about changes in the methods of treatment, which he was always very interested in.”
Revealing a personal anecdote to Express.co.uk, Peter shared: “I was born in a village just outside of Thirsk in 1956 so he used to come to the farm where my father was a manager.”
Don’t miss… [INTERVIEW] [EXPLAINER]
Peter Wright and Shona Searson meet Samuel West (Image: CHANNEL 5)
He continued, “We used to take our pets to the surgery and we’d known him for many years prior to that.”
Reflecting on his time gaining work experience at James’ practice, he expressed: “It was the buzz of the place, the friendliness of the place, the work that was going on, it was brilliant. At that point, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”
In a touching tribute to the esteemed vet, Peter added: “He was a lovely man, I know it’s a cliche but he was a very kind man, a very gentle man.”
He elaborated on the vet’s approachable nature, stating, “He wasn’t the sort of vet who pushed loads of information at you or rammed stuff down your throat but he was always there.”
Peter emphasized the value of the guidance he received: “If you asked for advice, he would willingly give it and they were pearls of wisdom he gave me to over the years.”
Lastly, speaking again with The Yorkshire Post, he praised his former mentor as a “tremendous man”.
All Creatures Great and Small Meets The Yorkshire Vet airs tonight on Channel 5 at 7pm