All Creatures Great and Small star confirms fan favourite character has left Skeldale

Nicholas Ralph, star of the popular period drama All Creatures Great and Small, has revealed that one character has bid farewell to Skeldale.

The much-loved series is set toreturn for a sixth season, with fans eagerly awaiting updates since the fifth season concluded last autumn.

Set in the 1930s and 40s, the show chronicles the life of Yorkshire veterinary surgeon James Herriot, portrayed by Nicholas, as he tackles the trials of his rural practice.

The new season is slated to premiere next week, on Thursday, 25 September, with Channel 5 previously assuring fans of more "heartwarming human and animal tales".

Nicholas has now given a sneak peek into what's in store, detailing the developments in James Herriot's world between the fifth and sixth series, during a time leap as All Creatures Great and Small resumes post World War II, showing James and Helen (played by Rachel Shenton) adapting to peace and their children growing up.

He disclosed: "We kick off on VE Day, and in that interim time, Mrs Hall has left for Sunderland, Tristan is away on duty in the war, and Siegfried has spiralled.

"He's taken a bit of a nosedive - reverting to his old ways, or even a little bit worse. He's clearly struggling without everyone.

"James and Helen decide to spend more time at Heston Grange. It gives them more space - a place in the countryside for the kids to grow up, but also some distance from Siegfried, while he's in this difficult place," reports the Manchester Evening News.

"James is now shuttling between the practice and the farm, trying to keep the business afloat while also being a dad to Jimmy, who's about four and a half, and Rosie, who's almost one year old.

"He's juggling a lot - work, family life, trying to be present for Helen and the kids - all while trying to keep the practice afloat. Clients are being lost, money is tight, and Siegfried isn't himself.

"Being at Heston helps, because there's plenty of space, and the children can help with the animals. There's also support from Jenny and Richard, which makes a big difference.

"Moving there wasn't really a choice - it was out of necessity. But it's proved to be a good decision for the time being."

This follows the announcement of fresh faces joining the forthcoming series, featuring Waterloo Road's Philip Martin Brown alongside Coronation Street favourites Chris Gascoyne and Lucy-Jo Hudson.

The official storyline for series six disclosed: "This time, we find our beloved Skeldale gang in a somewhat different situation as we join them in 1945, just as the war in Europe is coming to a close. We arrive back in Darrowby to veterinary advancements, expanded families, and new faces as they all look ahead to a brighter and more peaceful future."

The description added: "This series will see Herriot's wonderful characters navigating the opportunities that a new world brings, a host of animals great and small, and of course, each other."

All Creatures Great and Small is a reboot of the original programme that aired from 1978 to 1990, based on the short story collection by Alf Wright.

All Creatures Great and Small returns to 5 on Thursday, September 25.