All Creatures Great and Small season 5 release date, episodes and cast as family favourite returns

All Creatures Great and Small is set to return to Channel 5 this week for its fifth season, with Nicholas Ralph reprising his role as James Herriot during his RAF service days. The new season also sees the comeback of Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon.

The upcoming episodes will introduce Helen's (played by Rachel Shenton) newborn baby as she and James navigate early parenthood. Meanwhile, Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) finds himself leaning on Richard Carmody (James Anthony-Rose) for support.

All Creatures Great and Small has established itself as a mainstay in Channel 5's programming, consistently ranking as the channel's most-watched series. The previous season attracted an impressive 4.4 million viewers.

Earlier this year, the network confirmed a double commission of the popular series, indicating that a sixth season is still on the horizon. In the meantime, fans can catch up on seasons one through four on My5.

Here's everything you need to know about the forthcoming season.

When does All Creatures Great and Small season 5 premiere and how many episodes are there?

The new season kicks off on Thursday, September 19 at 9pm on Channel 5 and My5, with a festive special set to air later this year.

The season comprises six hour-long episodes, which will continue to be broadcast weekly on Thursdays at the same time.

The new series promises to further explore the tales of James Herriot as it revisits Darrowby to reunite with the Skeldale Family and the vibrant mix of farmers, animals, and townsfolk.

The synopsis for the upcoming season reads: "It is Spring 1941 and we return to Darrowby to find young baby Jimmy keeping our favourite Skeldale House family on their toes."

"Helen is getting the hang of motherhood with James away at RAF Abingdon, Mrs Hall and Siegfried are enjoying having a little one around and Carmody is now part of the furniture."

"With World War II now fully underway, Siegfried is taking up the slack at the surgery, Mrs Hall and Helen are considering their contribution within the community, and Carmody is eager to step up."

"Siegfried is keen to have everyone back, but Tristan's surprise return won't be quite as straightforward as he hoped."

Who will viewers see in the cast of All Creatures Great and Small season 5?

Nicholas Ralph will once again portray the beloved vet James Herriot, while Samuel West returns as his mentor Siegfried Farnon.

Anna Madeley reprises her role as the steadfast Mrs Hall, and Rachel Shenton will continue to captivate audiences as the resilient Helen Herriot.

James Anthony-Rose joins the ensemble again as Richard Carmody, the latest addition to the Skeldale House team.

Patricia Hodge comes back as the delightfully quirky Mrs Pumphrey, alongside her cherished Pekingese, Tricki-Woo.

Callum Woodhouse is set to bring more mischief as Tristan Farnon, Siegfried's younger brother who has been with the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

The first episode features guest appearances from Jeremy Swift as Mr Bosworth, Caroline Menton as Doris, Simon Paisley Day as Wing Commander Whitely, Luke Hammond as Hibbert, Samir Mahat as Banerjee, Callum Coates as Medical Officer Reid and Caroline O'Neill as Dot Fawcett.

All Creatures Great and Small returns to Channel 5 on September 19