All Creatures Great and Small star Nicholas Ralph on 'heartbreaking' discovery

TV star Nicholas Ralph has shared his sadness upon discovering that a dog featured in All Creatures Great and Small had previously been abandoned.

The actor is gearing up for the sixth series of the Channel 5period drama, which chronicles the life of his character, Yorkshire vet James Herriot.

Ahead of the series launch this week, Nicholas revealed that the cast had become particularly attached to one of the dogs used in racetrack scenes, and that it was "heartbreaking" to learn he had once been left at a shelter.

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When asked about memorable animal encounters during filming, Nicholas said everyone "adored" black whippet Danny Boy, reports the Manchester Evening News.

"The racetrack scenes with the dogs were brilliant," the actor shared.

"The main dog in the storyline between James and Max's character was called Danny Boy, he played Black Rock, and he was just the sweetest whippet.

"Our animal handler, Dean, informed us that Danny Boy had been abandoned at an animal shelter. They were searching for a specific type of dog for this storyline, and I believe it was Dean's mum, Jill, who heard about this black whippet."

"It's heartbreaking to think of him being there, because he was just the gentlest, loveliest dog," the star added. "We adored him."

Set in the 1930s and 1940s in Northern England, All Creatures Great and Small is based on the books penned by Alf Wight, under the pseudonym James Herriot.

Since its inception in 2020, the TV show has become a massive hit with audiences, releasing a new series about the characters' lives in the Yorkshire Dales every autumn.

The programme, which also features actors Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Callum Woodhouse and Rachel Shenton, has aired numerous specials over the years as well.

Audiences have been captivated as they follow James's journey as a vet, watching as he formed bonds with characters such as Siegfried Farnon (played by Samuel) and Mrs Hall (portrayed by Anna), and eventually married his love interest Helen (who is played by Rachel).

All Creatures Great and Small returns to 5 on Thursday, September 25 at 9pm.