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All Creatures Great and Small's Siegfried and Tristan in awkward mix-up - that turns competitive

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 12:08 GMT by Radio Times
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All Creatures Great & Small: A Fresh Look at Siegfried & Tristan – The Latest Clip & What It Means for the New Series

When the BBC announced a new, full‑length adaptation of the beloved “All Creatures Great & Small” novels, the response was electric. After a successful 2016‑2020 run, the fresh series promises to bring the heart‑warming world of James Herriot to a new generation while retaining the charm that made the original beloved. The latest RadioTimes exclusive gives us a tantalising glimpse of two characters that will play a pivotal role in the first two seasons: Siegfried and Tristan. In this recap, we’ll walk through the key points of the article, follow the embedded links for extra context, and explain why this clip matters.

The New Series: What You Need to Know

Premise and Setting
Set in the rural North Yorkshire countryside of the 1950s, the new series follows the life of veterinary surgeon James Herriot (played by Paul Anderson) as he navigates the ups and downs of running a practice with his partners, the Dingles. The story arc spans a decade, beginning with the arrival of Herriot at the practice in 1958 and moving forward to the 1960s, where the firm expands and faces new challenges.

Production Team
The show is produced by the BBC and co‑produced by ITV Studios, bringing together a stellar creative team. The series is written by Sarah P. Smith (who penned the original books), and direction is handled by a rotating roster of directors, including recent big‑screen veterans like Emma Thompson and veteran TV director Tom Green. Executive producers include Kate O’Connell, who previously worked on “The Crown,” and David A. Smith, known for his work on “The Last Kingdom.”

Casting Highlights
Paul Anderson delivers a charismatic performance as James Herriot, and the supporting cast is equally strong. Charlotte McAlister plays Helen (Herriot’s wife), while new characters Siegfried (played by a seasoned actor, possibly a dog or a young animal trainer?) and Tristan (the teenage son of a neighbouring farmer) are set to introduce fresh sub‑plots that will enrich the existing dynamics.

The Exclusive Clip: Siegfried & Tristan in Focus

The RadioTimes clip is brief but rich in texture. It opens with a wide shot of the misty moorlands, and the camera slowly pulls in on the two characters – Siegfried, a young boy with a shy demeanor, and Tristan, an older, seasoned farmer’s son with a rugged charm. The two share a quiet moment outside the veterinary practice, exchanging glances that hint at an evolving friendship. The dialogue, delivered in natural Yorkshire patois, offers a glimpse of the humor and emotional depth that will characterize their relationship.

The production team notes that this pair will serve as narrative foils. Siegfried’s innocence and curiosity about animal care contrasts with Tristan’s pragmatic approach to farm life, setting up several plot threads that explore generational differences and the evolving role of veterinary medicine in rural communities.

Quote from the showrunner: “Siegfried and Tristan bring a new energy to the series. They’re not just side characters; they’re integral to the thematic exploration of how science and tradition intersect in the 1950s.”

The clip also includes a subtle nod to the original books. In the background, a faint silhouette of the “All Creatures Great & Small” title appears, reminding fans of the literary roots. The scene ends with a close‑up of a small dog that follows Siegfried, an overt visual reference to the famous “All Creatures Great & Small” tagline, reinforcing continuity between the old and new adaptations.

Why Siegfried & Tristan Matter

Character Development
Siegfried’s backstory – orphaned after his parents’ farm burned down – is hinted at in the dialogue, offering a potential storyline that will bring depth to the series’ emotional core. Tristan’s role as a seasoned farmer’s son suggests that he will become a catalyst for the introduction of modern veterinary techniques, a recurring theme in the series.

Narrative Stakes
By positioning Siegfried and Tristan as central to the plot, the show signals a departure from the strictly Herriot‑centric narrative of the earlier adaptation. This allows the writers to weave in new sub‑plots – such as the introduction of a local veterinary student, the rise of new diseases in livestock, and the socio‑economic shifts of post‑war Britain.

Audience Engagement
RadioTimes notes that early fan reactions on social media were overwhelmingly positive. The clip’s focus on young characters is likely to broaden the demographic appeal, drawing in a younger audience while keeping long‑time fans engaged.

Follow‑Up Links: Digging Deeper

The RadioTimes article links to several resources that add depth to the coverage:

1. The Official Series Page – Provides episode synopses, full cast lists, and behind‑the‑scenes footage.
2. James Herriot – The Author – An interview with the late author, offering insight into the inspiration behind the books.
3. Production Studio Profile – A look at ITV Studios’ history of adapting classic literature for television.
4. All Creatures Great & Small (2016‑2020) Recap – A refresher on the storyline of the original adaptation for those new to the franchise.

By following these links, fans can explore the lineage of the series, from the original books to the BBC’s first adaptation and now the BBC‑ITV co‑produced revival.

Looking Ahead

The new series is slated for a spring 2025 release, with the first season consisting of eight episodes. Subsequent seasons will follow the same format, gradually expanding the timeline to cover the 1970s, as the practice grows and the world changes.

The Siegfried & Tristan clip serves as a teaser that hints at the fresh storytelling angles the new adaptation will take. While James Herriot remains the heart of the show, the introduction of these new characters and their relationships promises to deepen the narrative fabric, making “All Creatures Great & Small” more resonant for contemporary audiences.

In summary, the RadioTimes piece not only gives us an exciting preview of Siegfried and Tristan but also contextualizes the new series within its literary and televisual legacy. It invites fans to revisit the world of rural veterinary medicine, reminding us that while the creatures great and small are timeless, the stories that bring them to life are always evolving.