Tristan and Siegfried in Series 5 of All Creatures Great and Small (Image: CHANNEL 5)
The much-loved period drama All Creatures Great and Small is gracing our screens once more on Channel 5, bringing the third instalment of the season which heralds the return of fan favourite Tristan Farnon, portrayed by actor Callum Woodhouse. Tristan’s previous departure tugged at viewers’ heartstrings as he joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, but now he re-enters just in time for Jimmy’s Christening – a moment guaranteed to stir emotions.
Set against the stunning Yorkshire Dales, the show is based on the cherished tales of Alf Wight, who wrote under the pseudonym James Herriot and drew inspiration from his own experiences and the people in his life, such as Brian and Donald Sinclair with Donald being reenvisioned as the character Siegfried, played by Sam West.
It’s a journey into the past, as we’re reminded that the real-life counterpart of Tristan, Brian Sinclair, pursued veterinary medicine at Edinburgh’s prestigious Royal Veterinary College, graduating in 1943 before returning to work alongside his brother in Thirsk.
Brian’s adventures led him to military service where, in 1944, he assumed responsibility for animal training and welfare within the British Army, a venture that culminated in the rank of captain as he served in Haryana, India. His personal life saw him marrying Sheila Rose, daughter of Leeds general practitioner Douglas Seaton.
After his military stint, he made his way into Scotland’s Inverness, lending his expertise to the Ministry of Agriculture’s Sterility Advisory unit. Brian’s legacy extends through his three children and endures beyond his death in December 1988, reports .
Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon in Series 5 of All Creatures Great and Small (Image: CHANNEL 5)
Jim Wight, son of Alf Wight, offered high praise for Callum Woodhouse’s portrayal of Tristan Farnon in the series, expressing this sentiment in the book The World of All Creatures Great and Small: “Callum Woodhouse plays Tristan really well.
“And has a difficult job being compared to Peter Davison in the role for the .
“Like Peter, though, he gets well into the character of Tristan, real name Brian Sinclair, and a man I knew well.”
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Donald Sinclair (Siegfried Farnon) on crutches and Alf Wight (James Herriot) with Donald’s brother Brian (Tristan) (Image: PETER WRIGHT)
“The wayward and fun-loving younger brother of Seigfried is brought to life on the screen.”
It’s a breeze for Callum to portray Tristan, thanks to the character’s entertaining traits. Speaking to Masterpiece, he said, “It’s easy: Just how upbeat he is, how optimistic, and so joyful he is as a character.”
All Creatures Great and Small returns to Channel 5 on Thursday at 9pm