All Creatures Great and Small star admits 'we really missed her' after Rachel Shenton's absence

All Creatures Great and Smallfavourite Nicholas Ralph has opened up about Rachel Shenton's time away from filming.

The cherished period drama is making itsreturn to our screens for a sixth series, with Nicholas and Rachel back as James and Helen.

Based in the 1930s and 40s, All Creatures Great and Small chronicles Yorkshire vet James Herriot as he tackles the trials of his countryside practice.

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The fresh series, launching next week, continues as World War II concludes, with James and Helen adapting to peacetime whilst their children grow up.

However, away from the cameras, Rachel was dedicating time to nurturing her own family, as she was taking maternity leave, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The actress gave birth to her first child, a son called Orson Wilde Overton, with husband Chris Overton in April.

"On the 09.04.2025 my dream came true....Welcome to the world Orson Wilde Overton....Our hearts are yours," she revealed.

She continued: "Orson came along earlier than expected...so we needed to stay in hospital for a while and we couldn't have wished for better care and support."

Nicholas has now discussed how much he missed Rachel during production, explaining: "There was definitely a little Rachel-shaped hole on set during this series. We all really missed her – but of course, she had far more important things going on than we did!

"It was the same for James, really. Helen is his other half, his missing piece. She supports him, guides him, pushes him when he needs it. She's a real rock for James, just as he is for her.

"So that separation was felt both onscreen and off. James really feels it, and we, as a company of actors, felt it too. We missed her hugely."

Hinting at what's to come in the fresh series, he added elsewhere: "We kick off on VE Day, and in that interim time, Mrs Hall has left for Sunderland, Tristan is away on duty in the war, and Siegfried has spiralled.

"He's taken a bit of a nosedive – reverting to his old ways, or even a little bit worse. He's clearly struggling without everyone.

"James and Helen decide to spend more time at Heston Grange. It gives them more space – a place in the countryside for the kids to grow up, but also some distance from Siegfried, while he's in this difficult place.

"James is now shuttling between the practice and the farm, trying to keep the business afloat while also being a dad to Jimmy, who's about four and a half, and Rosie, who's almost one year old.

"He's juggling a lot – work, family life, trying to be present for Helen and the kids – all while trying to keep the practice afloat. Clients are being lost, money is tight, and Siegfried isn't himself.

"Being at Heston helps, because there's plenty of space, and the children can help with the animals. There's also support from Jenny and Richard, which makes a big difference.

"Moving there wasn't really a choice – it was out of necessity. But it's proved to be a good decision for the time being."

The blurb for the sixth series discloses: "This time, we find our beloved Skeldale gang in a somewhat different situation as we join them in 1945, just as the war in Europe is coming to a close.

"We arrive back in Darrowby to veterinary advancements, expanded families, and new faces as they all look ahead to a brighter and more peaceful future."

It goes on to say: "This series will see Herriot's wonderful characters navigating the opportunities that a new world brings, a host of animals great and small, and of course, each other."

All Creatures Great and Small is based on the collection of short stories by Alf Wright, and is a reboot of the original programme that aired from 1978 to 1990.

All Creatures Great and Small returns to 5 on Thursday, September 25.