All Creatures Great and Small Season 7 Gets First Look as New Vet Joins the Cast
All Creatures Great and Small is preparing to return for its seventh season this September, and the first-look images offer a glimpse of what lies ahead for James Herriot, his family, and the rest of the Skeldale House team.
Channel 5 has unveiled the first images from the new season of the beloved period drama, which is once again set in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1940s. Alongside the returning cast, season seven will introduce Belfast actor Caolan McCarthy in the role of rival vet Granville Bennett.
Based on James Herriot’s much-loved books, the series continues to follow the professional and personal lives of the veterinary team at Skeldale House, combining stories about animals with the friendships, romances, and family relationships that have made the show so popular.
McCarthy is one of several new faces arriving in the seventh season, although the identities of the other new characters are being kept under wraps for now.
A new rival for James Herriot
Season seven will see Caolan McCarthy make his debut as Granville Bennett, a new veterinary presence who threatens to disrupt the established order in Darrowby.
The arrival of another vet comes at an important moment for James, who is increasingly enthusiastic about developments in veterinary medicine. While the wider world is changing after years of conflict, James will have to contend with a new professional challenge closer to home.
The first-look photos also show Nicholas Ralph returning as James Herriot alongside Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot. The couple are pictured together with their two young children, Jimmy and Rosie, played by Thomas Riches and Isabella Ward.
The images suggest that family life will remain an important part of the new season as James and Helen continue building their life together.
Siegfried and Dorothy’s romance continues
Another storyline teased in the new images involves Siegfried Farnon and Dorothy.
Samuel West returns as Siegfried, with Maimie McCoy reprising her role as Dorothy. The character returned to Darrowby in the 2025 Christmas special after spending some time away, setting the stage for the continuation of their relationship in season seven.
The new images offer a glimpse of the pair together, suggesting that their romance will remain part of the story when the series returns.
What happens in season 7?
The seventh season moves the story forward to 1946, with the Second World War now over. Skeldale House is once again full, bringing the familiar characters back together under one roof as they begin looking toward a more hopeful period.
For James, the post-war era brings excitement about new developments in veterinary medicine. However, the arrival of Granville Bennett threatens to upset the established balance in the local veterinary community.
The official synopsis also points to the contrast between the changes taking place beyond Darrowby and the comforting familiarity of life in the Yorkshire Dales.
“The world at large may be changing, but inside this slice of Yorkshire, the Dales will always offer the same perfect escapism,” the synopsis says.
The new episodes will continue to combine humour, warmth, and community spirit with stories involving both people and animals.
Who stars in All Creatures Great and Small season 7?
The principal cast is returning for the new season.
Nicholas Ralph will once again play James Herriot, with Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot. Samuel West returns as Siegfried Farnon, while Anna Madeley reprises her role as Mrs Hall and Callum Woodhouse returns as Tristan Farnon.
Patricia Hodge is also back as Mrs Pumphrey, alongside her much-loved Pekingese, Tricki. Tony Pitts returns as Helen’s father, Richard, while Imogen Clawson reprises her role as Helen’s sister, Jenny.
Maimie McCoy will return as Dorothy, while Gaia Wise reprises her role as Charlotte and Mollie Winnard returns as Maggie.
The returning ensemble means season seven will once again bring together the familiar faces at the heart of Skeldale House, while the arrival of McCarthy’s Granville Bennett adds a new dynamic to the veterinary storyline.
When does season 7 premiere?
Channel 5 has confirmed that All Creatures Great and Small will return in September 2026, although a specific premiere date has not yet been announced.
With the war over, Skeldale House reunited, and a new rival vet entering the picture, the seventh season looks set to continue the show’s blend of veterinary stories, family life, romance, humour, and the enduring charm of the Yorkshire Dales.