Further veterinary adventures await in Darrowby as the hit drama scores a double recommission.

ViacomCBS have announced that the bucolic delights of All Creatures Great and Small will return for two more series.

The show, a modern take on the works of James Herriot’s Yorkshire veterinary stories, is produced by Playground for Channel 5, as well as Masterpiece PBS in the US.

Like previous years, each run of the show will be six episodes long, culminating in a Christmas special. The show also received a double-commission back in 2022.

Darrowby at War

Series 4, set in 1940, saw Tristan Farnon (Callum Woodhouse) absent has he had enlisted in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps. In his stead, it introduced a new character, the bookish Richard Carmody (James Anthony-Rose) who struggles to adjust to the practicalities of veterinary practice.

Its concluding Christmas Special also James (Nicholas Ralph) and Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton) welcome a son, albeit with James about to begin active service with the RAF.

According to Channel 5, series 5 will see Tristan make an “unexpected return”.

The remainder of the regular cast includes Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon and Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall. They’ll be joined, naturally, by the comic delight that is Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey, along with her adored Pekingese, Tricki-Woo.

Series 5’s writers are Debbie O’Malley, Maxine Alderton (Doctor Who), Matt Evans and Robin French. The lead director and executive producer is Brian Percival, with Stewart Svaasand and Andy Hay also directing. Yvonne Francas produces.

Executive Producers are Colin Callender and Aaron Anderson for Playground, and Susanne Simpson and Rebecca Eaton for MASTERPIECE. Plus, Louise Pedersen and David Swetman for All3Media International and Seb Cardwell and Paul Testar for Channel 5.

If it conforms to the usual pattern, expect Series 5 of All Creatures Great and Small to return in the autumn. In the meantime, UK viewers can stream the series on My5.