All Creatures Great and Small season 5 release date, episodes and cast explored

All Creatures Great and Small is making a comeback on Channel 5 this week, with season five featuring Nicholas Ralph reprising his role as James Herriot during his RAF service days. The new season also sees the return of Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon.

The upcoming episodes will showcase Helen's (played by Rachel Shenton) journey into motherhood with her new baby, while Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) adjusts to relying on Richard Carmody (James Anthony-Rose) for support.

All Creatures Great and Small has established itself as a mainstay in Channel 5's programming, maintaining its position as the channel's most-watched series with the previous season attracting 4.4 million viewers.

Earlier this year, the network confirmed a double commission of the popular series, meaning fans can look forward to a sixth season. Meanwhile, seasons one through four are available for viewing on My5.

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

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

The new season kicks off on Thursday, September 19 at 9pm on Channel 5 and My5, with a Christmas 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 returns to 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 indispensable 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 return as Tristan Farnon, Siegfried's roguish brother who has been serving in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.

The first episode will feature guest stars such as Jeremy Swift playing Mr Bosworth, Caroline Menton as Doris, Simon Paisley Day in the role of Wing Commander Whitely, Luke Hammond as Hibbert, Samir Mahat portraying Banerjee, Callum Coates as Medical Officer Reid and Caroline O'Neill taking on the character of Dot Fawcett.

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