TV producers have revealed the first look at the new series of All Creatures Great and Small, which will be screened this year.

Based on the real-life experiences of Yorkshire vet James Herriot, the television series is returning to the small screen, with a Channel 5 six-part remake, including a Christmas special.

The series originally ran on BBC One from 1978 to 1990.

The co-production with the American broadcaster PBS was filmed on location in Yorkshire last autumn and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the original publication of the much-loved books.

Nicholas Ralph will make his television debut as the iconic vet who became renowned for his inspiring compassion, humour and love of life.

Samuel West (Mr Selfridge, On Chesil Beach) joins as Siegfried Farnon, the wonderfully eccentric veterinary surgeon and proprietor of Skeldale House who reluctantly hires the recently qualified Herriot into his rural practice.

Mrs Hall, the resident housekeeper and matriarch of Skeldale House will be played by Anna Madeley (The Child in Time, Patrick Melrose).

Siegfried’s errant and charismatic younger brother, Tristan, will be played by Callum Woodhouse (The Durrells). Rachel Shenton (Switched at Birth, White Gold) takes the role of Helen Alderson, an independent local farmer’s daughter who helps her father manage the family farm and care for her younger sister.