The times they are a-changin’ in All Creatures Great and Small.
When the 5 period drama returns to screens on 17 September for its seventh outing, World War II is behind the characters, but life throws up further challenges.
For Helen (Rachel Shenton), a major concern is future-proofing the family farm.
“Certainly, since Jenny went away, she knows her dad is on his own and that the landscape of farming is changing,” Shenton said of her character’s position.
“She knows modernisation is coming into play on a lot of farms, people are making more money and more produce, and they want to be part of that.
“It’s really important to Helen to preserve the farm so that Jimmy and Rosie can experience it the way she did.”
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But that means having “hard conversations” with her dad Richard about a potential pivot from Jersey cows to Friesians, who are able to produce more milk.
“If we have another winter like the last one, I’m not sure the Jerseys will cope,” she admits to James in an exclusive clip shared with Radio Times. “It’s about more than just a breed… it’s starting a whole new way of life.”
You can watch their candid conversation below.
And it’s not just Helen who’s preoccupied with thoughts of the future in season 7. James is also acutely aware of just how much his profession is evolving.
“Things are moving rapidly and James notices when he is down in London,” said Nicholas Ralph, referencing his character’s talk at the Royal Veterinary College.
“Many of the things he was taught are now old hat, and the students are learning new ways and there are different medicines and advancements in surgical operations.”
That sense of the ground shifting beneath his feet is also exacerbated by the arrival of new vet, Granville Bennett.
“He seems to have it all,” added Ralph. “And, being a small animal practice, that affords him the time to do a lot of specialised, more intricate procedures, and he is very forward thinking, so James is feeling a little bit left behind.
“He starts to have a bit of a crisis of confidence and wonders if he can keep up.”
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Season 7 picks up in 1946, with World War II firmly in the rearview mirror and Skeldale House “once again full, and livelier than ever, as familiar faces reunite under one roof and look ahead to a hopeful new chapter”, according to the official series description.
It continues: “James is excited about new developments in veterinary medicine, but a new vet in the area threatens the status quo.
“The world at large may be changing, but inside this slice of Yorkshire, the Dales will always offer the same perfect escapism. Packed with warmth, humour and community spirit, the series brings more heartwarming tales of people and animals alike.”
All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available on 5 streaming, with season 7 premiering on Thursday 17 September at 9pm on 5.
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