As a professional embroiderer and textile archaeologist specialising in the early medieval period (450-1100 CE), I was privileged to be asked to contribute to the British Museum’s catalogue for its much-anticipated exhibition of the Bayeux tapestry, which is on display from September 2026 till July 2027.

My previous work has involved me analysing the reverse of the Bayeux tapestry from photographs, and microscopically examining sections of the front to see how it was embroidered. This work informed how I explained the embroiderers’ skills, practices and knowledge of the materials they worked with for visitors to the British Museum.

Writing my contribution has made me think about the stories the Bayeux tapestry conjures, not just the narrative stitched along its surviving 68-metre length, but also the other areas that generations of researchers have explored.

There have been numerous publications and research projects on the subject. While there are too many to discuss here, an online search suggests over 1,000 published works. These cover topics such as: who commissioned it and why; who made it and where; the design process; whether it was meant for a specific place and if so, where; whether the stories and motifs depicted are accurate to their real counterparts; and whether there were any hidden messages. The list goes on.

Until recently, it is the detailed process of its making, and the embroiderers’ understanding of their materials and how they manipulated them to create the effects they needed, that has fascinated me.

However, over the last couple of years I have become increasingly interested in how people engaged with the tapestry as a form of cognitive and sensory material culture. As part of my wider research, I have started to investigate this and
publish some of my findings.

Physical interaction

If we look at the meanings incorporated into different objects during the early medieval period, we see that the Bayeux tapestry is a visual form of the scop, an early medieval storyteller who told tales of heroes and great deeds, helping to preserve the oral tradition of the early English peoples.

When the scop spoke, they mentally shaped the listening audience, creating a shared living memory that would dissipate with the final words – until re-imagined and retold the next time. But the embroidered imagery of the Bayeux tapestry was a constant, unchanging narrative, always observable while the hanging was exhibited. Here the stories were “read” visually, as onlookers proceeded along the tapestry’s length.

But if the Bayeux tapestry was displayed within a castle keep, people would have been standing in a square space viewing the different scenes directly opposite each other, enabling the viewer to make connections between them.

What I found striking is that the tapestry was not a static object. When hung, it would have moved, caught by a draught or a person passing by. This movement would have made the stitched pictures come “alive”, turning the static narrative into a something like a film, inviting the viewer to participate in the action more fully than they might have expected.

The colours of the fibrous wool thread used by embroiderers would contrast with the smooth cream/white linen ground fabric. Their tones would change as light moved across them and as the fabric undulated, creating shadows. Horses now galloped, sails billowed, and hair was blown by the wind, making the tapestry kinetic, enhancing the idea of a living history.

If the tapestry was hung during mealtimes in a castle keep, the sound of clattering crockery and banging vessels, accompanied by talking and laughter and the smell of food would have brought the cooking and feasting scenes alive.

People would have interacted with the tapestry, touching it, brushing their fingers along the stitching, over images that captured their attention, enjoying a tactile, sensory experience to accompany their thoughts. They would become animated as they talked about what they saw. Noise would have ebbed and flowed within the enclosed space while sound from outside would have been muffled by the thick texture of the hanging itself. In this way the audience would have been encapsulated in a private world.

This was theatre in the round with a show that the audience was asked to participate and believe in. It was an immersive experience that would have held varying meanings for those who took part, depending on their viewpoint, life experiences and beliefs.

Unlike the storytelling scops, who were able to bring together a whole audience, the Bayeux tapestry, while telling certain stories from specific perspectives, could not command the audience to unite in the same way.

While the scops told their audiences what to think and feel, the intensely visual nature of the tapestry allowed each viewer to individually interpret what they saw. This would only have changed if they spoke to other onlookers, digested other thoughts and opinions and moulded their own as a result.

The Bayeux tapestry was a powerful object that not only told a story. Its rich and detailed decoration created individual and personal engagements with those viewing it, while drawing together people through shared experience.

By RAVEN SAUNT, US LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Published: 17:07 BST, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 22:16 BST, 3 September 2026

Zendaya‘s mom has hit out at negative comments about her looks as she branded the criticism ‘sad and frustrating.’

Claire Stoermer, 62, took to her Instagram story on Wednesday to stand her ground against online trolls.

Sharing a screenshot of a post about her appearance that had popped up on her feed, she wrote: ‘I totally get why people have to give up Instagram for their mental health. 

‘If I was to go and read all the comments on this post about myself, I could feel really bad. There are some terrible, horrible comments, I did read some of them.’

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Stoermer, a former teacher, continued: ‘And thank goodness I don’t take that s**t personally. Once upon a time I may have. 

‘And if I was a young person, I know I definitely would have. It’s sad and frustrating.’

To conclude, the doting mom referenced the ‘four agreements,’ explaining: ‘One of them is don’t take anything personally, it has nothing to do with you.’ 

California-born Zendaya shares a close bond with her mother as well as dad Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, 66, who previously managed her career during her early Disney Channel years.

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Zendaya’s mom has hit out at negative comments about her looks as she branded the criticism ‘sad and frustrating’

Claire Stoermer, 62, took to her Instagram story on Wednesday to stand her ground against online trolls

Her parents divorced when Zendaya was a child but the star has revealed that the former couple are ‘still homies.’

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Claire now runs her own jewelry company, named Kizzmet Jewelry, which is often worn by Zendaya herself.

The star, now 30, who recently tied the knot with Spider-Man’s Tom Holland, has often credited Stoermer as being her role model.

‘Growing up, I watched my mom teach in the heart of Oakland, California, at inner-city schools that were always underfunded. 

‘My mom went above and beyond, working constantly to open her students’ eyes to an education that could lift them far beyond their current circumstances,’ the performer told Teen Vogue in 2016.

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She continued: ‘She would introduce them to the arts, guide them through the language of Shakespeare, and show them the wonders of nature outside city life — all things that they wouldn’t have experienced otherwise.

‘Watching her was magical; it instilled within me a true appreciation of and devotion to the importance of education.’

Zendaya also told Ellen DeGeneres previously: ‘I gotta give it up to my parents. I’m really lucky to have the parents that I have. 

Zendaya also told Ellen DeGeneres previously: ‘I gotta give it up to my parents. I’m really lucky to have the parents that I have’

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‘They just have always instilled in me those core values that I think I have to carry with me through everything. I give it up to them, I give it up to my family.’ 

Zendaya shares Scottish and German ancestry on her mother’s side and African American on her father’s.

‘Zendaya knows about her Scottish heritage and is proud of it,’ Stoermer exclusively told the Daily Mail.

‘She hasn’t been to Scotland yet, but I know she’d love to visit some time.’

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The Red Arrows appeared underneath the clouds and appeared to delight pedestrians in the city centre, people working in the suburbs and further out.

The display team of six Hawk fast-jets even appeared to give a “trailing smoke” salute as they passed, before turning off in the direction of the Lake District.

The RAF aerobatic team was scheduled for a formation transit between 5.26pm and 6.30pm and were seen by York Press readers and visitors to our Facebook page in Acomb, Upper Poppleton and Walmgate, briefly from about 5.30pm.

It has been reported elsewhere that a Red Arrow flypast was scheduled on the route of premier men’s cycling event The Tour of Britain as a stage took place today close to the unit’s base at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire.

The Red Arrows will head up the 2026 International Ayr Show Festival of Flight in South Ayrshire tomorrow and Saturday.

Donald Trump has accused Prince Harry of treating his brother, the Prince of Wales, in a “very terrible” way.

Speaking about the rift between the heir to the throne and the Duke of Sussex, the US president also accused Meghan Markle of being a “horrible influence” on Harry.

In an interview with GB News, he said: “But I think that what she has done and him [Prince Harry], he wrote a book that was very terrible to William, it was terrible.

“The things he said, I wouldn’t…I mean, it’s just me. I’m sure I’m wrong on this, but I would not have taken him back. I would have never spoken to him again.”

Prince William and his younger brother have had a strained relationship since the Sussexes decided to step down from the Royal Family in 2020 and relocate to California.

It is believed they have not spoken in several years, and have not been seen publicly together since the King’s coronation in 2023. It is understood that they reunited privately at their uncle’s funeral in August 2024, but reportedly did not speak to one another.

In his memoir Spare, Harry detailed the breakdown of their relationship, which he claimed included a physical fight in 2019 which resulted in him being “knocked to the floor”.

Asked about the couple’s US exit, Mr Trump told the broadcaster that the couple had done “too many horrible things” to be taken back so easily.

He said: “First of all, I think King Charles is fantastic, he’s a friend of mine. Personally, I would not have taken them back.

“Too much hate, too many really bad things. He [Prince Harry] wrote a book that was so bad, and she was a horrible influence on him. What she’s done to him is unacceptable.”

Referring to the King again, the US president said that “everybody loved him” during his recent trip to Washington DC and New York.

He continued: “If I were King Charles, I would not take them back. There’s too much. He was here a couple of months ago, everybody loved him in America. He spoke in front of Congress, everybody loved him. He’s a fantastic guy.

“And he’s been a friend of mine for a long time. I knew him as Prince Charles, I know him as King Charles, and he’s amazing and he’s fighting through a very tough situation with his health, and very few people would have that bravery to do what he’s done.”

When presenter Bev Turner suggested that while there was “no relationship” between Harry and William, the King appears to have “offered an olive branch” to his son and daughter-in-law, Mr Trump responded: “It shows you what a good man King Charles is.

“He’s a much better person than I am, I wouldn’t have done it. I would have said forget it.”

It is not the first time Mr Trump has been critical of the couple. On Wednesday, he said he was “happy” to hear the news that Harry and Meghan had returned to live in the UK, and said he was “not a fan”.

The Sussexes returned last week alongside their children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, ending a six-year period of living in the US to begin a new life.

Reports suggest the family intends to stay in the UK for an “extended period”, triggering debate over where they will establish their home, with the Cotswolds emerging as a likely location.

Having stepped down as working royals six years ago, Harry and Meghan have subsequently aimed criticism at the royal family and the monarchy during media appearances. They are expected to remain non-working royals.

While news of their unexpected move surfaced last month, just days before they made the journey back over to the UK, the Sussexes have not yet spoken publicly regarding their intentions.

Uncertainty remains over several details, including whether public money will be used to fund their security arrangements, after Harry previously raised concerns over his family’s safety in the UK.

By MATT STRUDWICK, SENIOR NEWS REPORTER

Published: 16:31 BST, 3 September 2026 | Updated: 22:26 BST, 3 September 2026

This is the moment a sex attacker moans to police that he ‘can’t be arrested’ after attempting to rape a woman near a train station in Canary Wharf. 

Syed Imam, 30, told Scotland Yard officers ‘it can’t be me’ and falsely accused security staff of lying after they saved the vulnerable female in an underpass. 

They had heroically stopped his attempted sex attack during the early hours of March 14 and detained him before police arrived, having seen him earlier acting suspiciously. 

In police bodycam footage, Imam is heard saying ‘I can’t be’ and smirks as an officer arrests him and reads him his rights. 

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He opens his mouth wide and accuses a security guard of lying after an officer explains to him that he had been seen leaving the Tube station with the woman.

Officers arrived within 30 minutes of the attack and took Imam into custody. He was charged within 24 hours. 

Today, he was jailed for six years for the attempted rape – two months after being found guilty following a four-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.  

The Met Police said the woman had no recollection of what had happened, but that evidence secured through CCTV and fast-paced investigative work allowed Imam to be interviewed, charged and remanded within 24 hours. 

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This is the moment sex attacker Syed Imam, 30, moans to police that he ‘can’t be arrested’ after attempting to rape a woman near a train station in Canary Wharf

Imam was today jailed for six years after being found guilty of attempted rape following a four-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court

Detective Constable Madeleine Powell, who worked on this case, hailed the crucial role security staff played in bravely tackling the ‘violent offender’.

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‘This case shows the important role everyone has to play in tackling violence against women and girls. If security staff at Canary Wharf had not bravely intervened, this violent offender could still be walking our streets, and the victim may have suffered even more harm than she already has.

‘Everyone has a part to play in the joint action needed to protect women and girls and report concerning behaviour when they see it – you will be listened to and we will take action.

‘I am proud of our officers who worked at an incredible pace to arrest Imam and present a compelling case, helping us to get justice for the victim and protect the public.’

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Throughout the process, dedicated support from specialist officers helped the victim understand the proceedings, remain engaged with the investigation and navigate the significant trauma she had experienced. 

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‘The case demonstrates how effective partnership working, victim-focused policing and swift evidence-led investigations can combine to secure justice in the most challenging circumstances.

‘Keeping women and girls safe is one of the Met’s top priorities and in the last year, the Met has more than doubled its positive outcomes, including arrests and charges for rape. 

‘The increases in positive outcomes are echoed across the board, with arrests and charges for general violence against women and girls (VAWG) offences up 71 per cent. These statistics reflect the determination of officers and partners to pursue offenders and bring them to justice, whilst also suggesting that more victims feel able to come forward and report offences.’

The Courteeners will play two shows at Middlesbrough Empire on Thursday, October 29, to promote their new album, God Bless The Band.

The Manchester group, fronted by Liam Fray, originally announced a single show at 5pm, but soon added an additional performance at 8pm due to high demand.

Both shows sold out within hours of going on sale at 10am on Thursday, September 3.

The Courteeners will play two intimate gigs at Middlesbrough Empire next month. (Image: Agency)

Middlesbrough Empire. (Image: Picture: MICHAEL ROBINSON)

The shows are being staged in partnership with Jacaranda Records, following the release of their latest album on August 28.

Formed in 2006, The Courteeners have built a huge following with hits including Not Nineteen Forever, What Took You So Long? and Are You In Love With A Notion?

The Middlesbrough shows are among the Empire’s biggest bookings in recent months.

“The annual cost of legacy to policing is £24 million.”

The PSNI has paid out almost twice as much in the past five years in legal costs in civil claims relating to Troubles incidents as it has in compensation to victims’ families, Chief Constable Jon Boutcher has said.

Mr Boutcher called on the Stormont Executive and the Westminster government to “come together to find a funding mechanism to deal with these spiralling legacy costs”.

The Chief Constable told the Policing Board that he believed the financial cost of dealing with the Troubles “morally and legally” should sit with Westminster.

In his remarks to his oversight board, Mr Boutcher said it was “unacceptable” that Northern Ireland did not have a budget set by Stormont six months into the financial year.

He said the projected gap between PSNI spending and the indicative budget is £70 million.

He said: “It is impossible to discuss financial pressures without mentioning legacy. We continue to see legacy place an unsustainable and growing burden upon contemporary policing.

“The annual cost of legacy to policing is £24 million.”

The Chief Constable added: “These matters arose during direct rule from Westminster, and those liabilities and costs should not fall upon the already insufficient budget intended for policing the communities of Northern Ireland today.

“I call upon the Executive and Westminster government to come together to find a funding mechanism to deal with these spiralling legacy costs.

“The current position is not tenable.”

Board member Frank McManus asked how much had been paid out by the force to victims and in legal fees in civil cases.

Mr McManus said: “What I’m trying to get here is because I’ve seen quite a lot of cases of where the compensation has been very low, but the legal fees have been obscene.

“Let’s just call them what they are. They’re obscene.”

Mr Boutcher said from July 2021 to July 2026, the PSNI paid out £7.7 million in legacy compensation settlements to families, and £14.6 million on related legal costs.

He said: “Because we’re not funded for legacy, we don’t have an efficient model to deal with legacy.

“With a lot of these cases, particularly civil cases, because we don’t have the resource, we don’t have the ability to recover information.

“Technically, it has to be done by people because we don’t have the software. These cases go on for an inordinate amount of time.”

Mr Boutcher said there needed to be a system where claims are assessed earlier to “stop these unnecessary and extensive legal costs”.

He said the force was taking a “more forward-leaning approach with families” who have civil cases against the PSNI to try to reach an early settlement.

The Chief Constable added: “These cases from the 1970s, the 1980s, the 1990s…we’re 25 years old in November.

“This organisation, the Executive here, was not in place. Those costs, morally and I think legally, should sit with Westminster government, and I will continue to lobby.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Kelly Hashemi, 41, raised concerns with medical professionals but was told her symptoms were perimenopause — a private scan then showed she had stage three ovarian cancer

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A mother-of-one died from ovarian cancer after symptoms that included bleeding, bloating and anxiety were attributed to perimenopause, her husband has said.

Kelly Hashemi, a primary school teacher from Gateshead, was 37 when she began experiencing symptoms and repeatedly sought medical advice. But after concerns were reportedly linked to perimenopause, she paid for a private scan that revealed she had stage three ovarian cancer.

Despite undergoing two major operations and extensive treatment, Mrs Hashemi died in July last year aged 41. Her husband, Arya, 42, said the diagnosis came too late to offer a realistic chance of survival, reports Chronicle Live.

Now, as he prepares to run the Great North Run in her memory, Mr Hashemi is raising money for St Bede’s Hospice in Gateshead, where his wife spent the final three months of her life. More than £5,500 has already been donated to his appeal, which you can also donate to via this link.

The father-of-one explained: “If you catch ovarian cancer early it’s treatable but if you catch it late it’s a death sentence. It’s a really difficult cancer to deal with once it gets hold.

“Kelly was always extremely community-minded. She would have done her job for free. She had so much passion for teaching and gave every bit of her for the children she taught.

“She was a huge environmentalist, a vegetarian and she took her health really seriously. She was the most patient and loving mother. She just had endless love and energy and patience.

“We attempted to live near her primary school and when we were walking around you’d hear ‘Mrs Hashemi we love you”. I felt like I was walking around with a rock star. I was so proud of her. I was so proud that I was her husband. She was really special.”

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Kelly and Arya, parents to 13-year-old Tabitha, shared their family home in the Low Fell area of Gateshead. Kelly received her ovarian cancer diagnosis in July 2022 following a privately-funded scan.

Arya, a practising lawyer, recalled: “Things didn’t feel right. She kept saying this is something else. When she received her diagnosis the doctor said ‘We have caught this at a late stage, you are going to die from this’.

“It was something that she never came to terms with. A simple blood test or simple scans would have picked this up earlier and there was a refusal to do that.”

Arya revealed that Kelly underwent extensive surgery and spent a fortnight in intensive care, followed by several months of rehabilitation before beginning chemotherapy.

He said: “The surgery was enormous. They operated from her throat to the top of her pubic bone. She had to have a full hysterectomy and part of her liver, bladder and diaphragm removed. It was really, really painful rehabilitation. It was a really bleak time.”

In September 2024, Kelly was asked to work in early years at Newcastle High School for Girls, where she spent roughly seven weeks before a scan confirmed her cancer had returned. She was told that with further surgery she could have a year to live and without it she would have a few months.

“She decided to have the surgery again to have some more time with Tabitha and she had that surgery early November”, Arya recalled. “She lost her bowel and it made no difference, the cancer just kept growing.”

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Kelly was admitted to St Bede’s Hospice, based within the Queen Elizabeth Hospital grounds. After spending three months receiving care there, she died in July 2025.

Arya, who now lives in Fenham, Newcastle, with Tabitha, explained: “Her biggest worry was not seeing her daughter grow. Kelly was super prepared and she wrote me lists of things I must do.

“I would say to her ‘I don’t know how I’m going to do this without you’. She would say ‘You just have to put one foot in front of the other’. I wake up every morning and say ‘One foot in front of the other’.

“Our daughter is such a special kid. She’s incredibly resilient and determined. She uses school and sport as her form or recovery from this. She represents the region in hockey and netball.

“I just drive her across the country for the sports. We sit in the car next to each other for hours and we talk about her mum a lot.”

On September 13, Arya will participate in the Great North Run as a tribute to his late wife. His online fundraising campaign for the hospice has already raised more than £5,500 in contributions. Arya said: “She had such fear about going into the hospice and losing her dignity and independence. Every single one of their team went over and above, showering her with love, and all of her fears just disappeared.

“They were so kind and compassionate to her. It was an absolute lifeline to me and my family.

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I have stuck religiously to my training plan. I’m scared but I’m very excited about doing it. I know it’s going to be really emotional. It was something Kelly did. She always talked about it as being one of the greatest things she’d ever done. It’s a really nice tribute to Kelly.”

Arya said Tabitha has been supportive of his fundraising efforts. He said: “She thinks I’m mad getting up at five in the morning to do my practice runs but she keeps telling me she’s really proud of me which is all the motivation I need.”

Arya has urged anybody who is concerned about their health to push for help. He said: “I think the only person who really knows if something is wrong if yourself. If something feels wrong fight your corner. No one is going to advocate for you, you have to advocate for yourself.”

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Sydney Sweeney looked completely in love with her boyfriend Scooter Braun as they held hands during Venice Film Festival on Thursday.

The American actress, 28, exuded glamour in a sequin backless dress as she and Braun, 45, led the stars at the Armani Beauty dinner.

Sweeney doesn’t have any film projects to promote at this year’s film festival, yet will be acting as the brand’s poster girl on red carpets with Kendall Jenner.

The Hollywood star wore a cleavage-baring Armani ensemble for the exclusive dinner at the Royal Gardens.

Sweeney was joined by dazzling Nina Dobrev, 37, who opted for a sophisticated strapless jumpsuit. 

Earlier in the day, Sweeney enjoyed a romantic gondola ride with Braun and shared a very steamy kiss.

The American actress, 28, exuded glamour in a sequin backless dress as she and Braun, 45, led the stars at the Armani Beauty dinner

The Euphoria star wore a pretty white summer dress with a yellow jumper draped over her shoulders as she passionately kissed the mogul.

Talent manager, and record executive Braun looked handsome in blue shorts, a crisp white shirt and a backwards baseball cap. 

Prior to their trip to Venice, Sweeney was spotted out and about in Los Angeles with Braun, who she has been romantically linked to since September 2025. 

The couple were joined by Braun’s three children – Jagger Joseph, 11; Levi Magnus, nine; and Hart Violet, seven – who he shares with his ex-wife, Yael Cohen.

Braun tied the knot with Cohen in 2014, before welcoming their three children. But in 2021 their marriage came crashing down when he filed for divorce, which was finalised in 2022.

Sweeney looked affectionate with Braun’s kids on Monday afternoon as they went for a stroll after school before stopping for smoothies.

It marked a major development in the couple’s romance, which began months after they met at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s Venice wedding in June of last year.

After ending her engagement to longtime partner Jonathan Davino in early 2025, when she started seeing Braun, sources said: ‘Sydney and Scooter are still seeing each other and trying to be as low-key as possible, while still dating and having fun…

‘They are just taking things slow and enjoying their time together.’

By December, it was revealed that the couple were ‘serious’: ‘Scooter and Sydney are going strong and things between them are great. They’re in a committed relationship, and things are serious.’

Sweeney has been romantically linked to Braun since September 2025

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Sweeney wowed in her custom Armani look 

Sweeney doesn’t have any film projects to promote at this year’s film festival, yet will be acting as the brand’s poster girl on red carpets with Kendall Jenner

Sweeney wore a cleavage-baring ensemble for the exclusive dinner at the Royal Gardens

Sweeney looked every inch the Hollywood star as she arrived in a glitzy number

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Sweeney showed off her flawless complexion with a bronzed swipe of makeup

She went braless beneath the sequin dress

The Hollywood star was joined by dazzling Nina Dobrev, 37, who opted for a sophisticated strapless jumpsuit

Singer Hayes Warner opted for a silver satin gown

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Jonathan Bailey looked dashing in a black tuxedo for day two of the festival

He slipped on his trendy sunglasses for some photos

Bailey complemented his look with a white scarf

Her bombshell appearance came hours after Sweeney enjoyed a romantic gondola ride with her boyfriend Braun 

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In January this year, Sweeney was asked about speculation around her love life, to which she said: ‘Sometimes I’ll think that I can do a normal thing and have a date in a normal way, and then it gets perceived in a very non-normal way. It’s kind of sad.’

On going public with a romance, she said: ‘I understand that I’m a public person, but I’m still in my 20s. I’m still figuring out love, and it’s hard to do that with millions of people who have their own opinions of what that looks like…

‘At the same time, for all of my 20s, I put my head down and focused on work—and now I want to experience things. But it’s hard deciding that I want to experience love in the public eye. I’m just navigating it all.’

In May, Braun said: ‘I’ve met an extraordinary woman who is kind and generous and smart, and real and down to earth.’ 

Fans of All Creatures Great and Small have been given a first glimpse of the drama ahead for series 7

All Creatures Great and Small fans have been treated to a new trailer that teases trouble ahead.

The much-loved series is back for its seventh season this month and viewers tuning in can expect plenty of drama, romance and heartbreak. While there are plenty of familiar faces returning to the Yorkshire Dales, the latest trailer suggests life at Skeldale House is about to look very different.

Set in 1946, the new series follows James Herriot and his friends and family as they try to build a future after the turmoil of the Second World War. But peace doesn’t necessarily mean life will be simple for the residents of Darrowby.

The 60-second trailer opens with the arrival of newcomer Granville Bennett, played by Caolan McCarthy, who wastes little time causing tension. A rival vet, Granville appears determined to make his mark, with his arrival potentially putting James in an uncomfortable position.

For James, played by Nicholas Ralph, there are also big changes happening much closer to home. His marriage to Helen, played by Rachel Shenton, continues to develop as the pair face the realities of raising a young family. One particularly emotional moment sees Helen having a frank conversation with her father Richard about the future of the farm. Helen makes it clear that she believes it is time to embrace a new way of life, hinting at difficult decisions ahead for the family.

A big moment for James and Helen

Away from the farm, James and Helen are facing another milestone as their eldest son Jimmy prepares to start school. The moment marks another reminder of just how much their lives have changed. After everything they have been through, the couple are now raising a family of their own – but the trailer suggests that parenthood and life in the Dales won’t always be straightforward.

Trouble for Tristan and Charlotte?

There could be heartbreak ahead for Tristan Farnon and Charlotte Beauvoir. The couple declared their love for each other during the Christmas special, but the new trailer appears to cast doubt over what comes next.

Tristan, played by Callum Woodhouse, is left fearing for the future of their relationship as the possibility emerges that Charlotte could be leaving.

After finally finding happiness together, the pair could now be facing a painful separation. Meanwhile, back at Skeldale House, Mrs Hall finds herself adjusting to another change as Siegfried and Dorothy’s relationship continues to grow with a surprise kiss unfolding in the kitchen.

Samuel West returns as the eccentric Siegfried Farnon, while Anna Madeley is back as Mrs Hall. The familiar faces don’t stop there. Patricia Hodge returns as the unforgettable Mrs Pumphrey, complete with her adored dog Tricki, while Tony Pitts, Imogen Clawson, Maimie McCoy, Gaia Wise and Mollie Winnard are also back.

And, of course, no series of All Creatures Great and Small would be complete without the animals. James and the team will once again be dealing with the unpredictable highs and lows of veterinary life, with the stunning Yorkshire countryside providing the backdrop to their latest adventures.

The seventh series is set to bring together everything viewers love about the show – from its emotional animal stories and beautiful scenery to its complicated romances, family dramas and moments of gentle comedy.

But with a new rival arriving, relationships facing uncertainty and major changes taking place within the families, it seems Darrowby could be in for one of its most eventful chapters yet.

All Creatures Great and Small series 7 will air on Channel 5 from 9pm on Thursday, September 17. All Creatures Great and Small: Behind the Magic will air at 9pm on Friday 18 September.