All Creatures Great and Small stars touching gesture to fans

For two of the show’s stars, Rachel Shenton and Nicholas Ralph, who plays vet James Herriot, read out letters from the fans.

Producers of the Channel 5 series have previously said they frequently receive letters from viewers about how the ‘ show has brought joy, comfort and relief in challenging times.’

Earlier this year, fans were invited to write a letter to the favourite cast member to be read out, with the first ‘reading’ taking place today.

Today, the two stars, who play onscreen husband and wife, took time out from filming to read out some of the letters to the delight of fans.

The letter stated: “You are all my friends on the other side of the screen”, prompting Rachel to say, ‘Aww, that is very sweet’.

The letter continues: “Watching All Creatures Great & Small is like wrapping yourself in a blanket, with a big cup of tea. A little every day escape and something that gives me breathing space in a world that is upside down.”

Nicholas responded: “We do have a lovely time making the show.

“I hadn’t come across All Creatures Great and Small before, and I think in the earlier auditions it actually worked in my favour, because I think if I knew how big it was, I would maybe be slightly more nervous.

“The overriding feeling was just one of excitement. It’s just been an incredibly rollercoaster since then, and its still incredibly joyful to do.”

The writer of the letter commented on the show’s Instagram page: “Yay!! That’s my letter. And Rachel holding it in her hands. Thank you for your answer. Made my day, or week, or year.”

More letters will be read out in the near future.

READ MORE: Exploring beautiful Grassington where All Creatures is filmed

The drama is filmed just over an hour away from Bolton in the beautiful village of Grassington, just over the border in Yorkshire and for fans who cannot wait, a trip to the village, which is transformed into Darrowby, maybe the next best thing, or to re-watch the series on Channel 5 catch-up.

As well as the new six episode series, there will be Christmas specials.

The series is inspired by Herriot’s timeless books, which have sold over 60 million copies globally and remain a cherished part of literary and television heritage.