All Creatures Great and Small's James Herriot actor brands co-star 'brilliant'

The beloved programme All Creatures Great and Small has made a triumphant return to our television screens with a fresh series on Channel 5, marking the sixth instalment of the popular show.

All the main stars of the show have once again reprised their roles, with Nicholas Ralph taking the lead as James Herriot, joined by Samuel West portraying James' business associate Siegfried Farnon.

Rachel Shenton returns as Helen Herriot, whilst Thomas Riches plays the role of Helen and James' son Jimmy, who is now four years old in the storyline.

Nicholas has shared his experiences working with Thomas on All Creatures Great and Small, describing the young actor, who is seven years old in reality, as a "little ball of energy".

"He's a brilliant, brilliant little chap. Like with any actor on set, it takes a moment to establish a rapport. He portrays a four year old, but he's actually seven - he informed me, 'I'm second smallest in my class!' He's just this little ball of energy, going at full pelt - and brilliant with it," Nicholas disclosed.

Sharing his experience working with Thomas, Nicholas lavished praise on his young co-star and his behaviour on set, reports Manchester Evening News.

The actor continued: "Some of the directors would even assign him additional lines on the day, he took direction so well. They'd even adjust dialogue on set: 'That line's not quite right - can you say this instead?' And almost every time, he nailed it. He was so good."

Nicholas also revealed: "He was really funny, and, in the way only a seven-year-old can be, just delightfully silly. Like I said, it takes a minute to build that rapport, but over the course of the three filming blocks, you could see the difference.

"It was his first time on set too, so he was getting used to the environment, the cameras, the whole thing, while I'm playing his pretend dad. But by the end, he'd be running in and giving hugs."

All Creatures Great and Small series six features six hour-long episodes, broadcasting weekly on Channel 5.

The complete synopsis states: "We return to Darrowby in May 1945 to find Skeldale House at sixes and sevens. As victory in Europe is declared, there is the promise of peace at last, but James is wishing for a greater sense of peace at the surgery as he juggles vet work with a busy family life and an exceptionally challenging Siegfried.

"Helen's enjoying time with young Jimmy and Rosie but has big changes afoot at Heston to contend with. Tristan returns from several years at war and will have to re-adjust to life back home in Darrowby.

"Meanwhile, Mrs Hall works hard to bring everybody back together and restore harmony at the surgery! We watch as our characters re-connect with each other and find their renewed purpose, looking to a brighter future as the world around them starts to breathe again."