All Creatures Great And Small: ‘We are shocked and honoured’ says Samuel West as he picks up Best Drama award

Taking to X, Samuel West said: “Huge thanks to the readers of #TVChoice for voting #AllCreaturesGreatAndSmall Best Drama Series for the second year in a row, in a really strong field.

“We are shocked and honoured and very, very chuffed.”

Nicholas Ralph on his Instagram said: “Thanks so much to everyone who voted, as you can see from pic four we were delighted!”, accompanying a photo of himself and Samuel reflected in the shiny award.

The foursome dressed up in black to accept the award, a far cry from their All Creatures wardrobes of war-time worn-out tweeds, knits and vet coats.

Hosted by comedian Jason Manford, the ceremony took place on Monday evening at the London Hilton Hotel.

All Creatures Great and Small beat Blue Lights, Death In Paradise, Heartstopper and Silent Witness to win the Best Drama Series award, which is voted for by readers.

This recognition for Channel 5’s much-loved adaptation, made by Playground, of James Herriot’s books, comes as All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 airs in the US on MASTERPIECE on PBS on Sundays until February 22.

Here in the UK, series six aired over the autumn and winter, with the finale broadcast on Christmas Eve on Channel 5.

Now the cast and crew are gearing up to make series seven, which is expected to start filming later this month in the Yorkshire Dales. Grassington is used for filming the exterior scenes for Darrowby and Skeldale House, where the vets live and have their practice.

Last year, Channel 5 announced that All Creatures Great and Small will return for two more series with a double commission for seasons 7 and 8 of the hugely popular Yorkshire Dales drama.

Each new series will have six hour-long episodes, plus Christmas Specials.

Series six jumped forward in time to 1945, with little Jimmy Herriot (Thomas Riches) now accompanied by little sister Rosie, played by three-year-old Isabella Ward.

New character Charlotte was introduced as Tristan’s girlfriend, bringing Gaia Wise into the cast. Mrs Hall, played by Anna Madeley, returned to keep house, although some viewers were alarmed by the return of her friend Dorothy (Maimie McCoy), last seen in series one, when she was awkwardly romanced by Siegfried.

When series seven and eight were confirmed, Greg Barnett, commissioning editor for 5, said: “All Creatures Great and Small is a jewel in 5’s drama crown and continues to delight viewers year after year. Its warmth, humour and heart, set against the beauty of Yorkshire, have made it a firm audience favourite.”

Melissa Gallant and Sharon Moran, joint executive producers for Playground, added: “We frequently receive letters from viewers about how the show has brought joy, comfort and relief in challenging times.

“It's a show which people love to watch and love to make and we can't wait for more adventures in beautiful Yorkshire.”

Also in the TV Choice Awards, Springtime On The Farm/Winter On The Farm, filmed at Cannon Hall Farm and made by Leeds-based Daisybeck Studios for 5, won Best Factual Show for ther fourth time.

Emmerdale won Best Soap, while The Traitors won Best Reality Show.