By Meghna Amin

Copyright manchestereveningnews

All Creatures Great and Small star Nicholas Ralph has addressed Rachel Shenton ’s absence on set. The beloved period drama is returning to screens for a sixth season with Nicholas and Rachel reprising their roles as James and Helen. Set in the 1930s and 40s, All Creatures Great and Small follows Yorkshire veterinary surgeon James Herriot as he navigates the challenges of his rural practice. The new season, which premieres next week, picks up as World War II ends, with James and Helen adjusting to peace and their children growing up. Though behind the scenes, Rachel was spending some time raising her own family, as she was away on maternity leave. The star welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Orson Wilde Overton, with her husband Chris Overton in April. “On the 09.04.2025 my dream came true….Welcome to the world Orson Wilde Overton….Our hearts are yours,” she shared. She added: “Orson came along earlier than expected…so we needed to stay in hospital for a while and we couldn’t have wished for better care and support.” Nicholas has now spoken about how he missed Rachel while filming, saying: ”There was definitely a little Rachel-shaped hole on set during this series. We all really missed her – but of course, she had far more important things going on than we did! “It was the same for James, really. Helen is his other half, his missing piece. She supports him, guides him, pushes him when he needs it. She’s a real rock for James, just as he is for her. “So that separation was felt both onscreen and off. James really feels it, and we, as a company of actors, felt it too. We missed her hugely.” Teasing the new series, he elsewhere said: “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. “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.” The synopsis for series six revealed: “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.” It continued: “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 based on the short story collection by Alf Wright, and is a reboot of the original programme that aired from 1978 to 1990. All Creatures Great and Small returns to 5 on Thursday, September 25 at 9pm