James Herriot's personal life unveiled as son unveils how his father celebrated wedding

Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Rachel Shenton Helen Alderson
-Credit: (Image: Helen Williams)


James Herriot is back in the fifth season of All Creatures Great and Small, where he embarks on the journey of parenthood with his wife Helen.

The beloved Channel 5 series returns tonight, September 19, featuring Nicholas Ralph reprising his role as Yorkshire's favourite vet, James Herriot. Audiences will witness his time serving in the RAF, while his wife Helen (played by Rachel Shenton) remains at Skeldale House caring for their newborn, Jimmy.

While James yearns to be with his new family, he recognises his crucial role in the war effort. Meanwhile, Helen is balancing farm life with the demands of a new baby.

The show draws inspiration from the real-life experiences of Alf Wight, who penned a series of books under the pseudonym James Herriot about his time in the Dales. Just like in the series, the real James Herriot was a married man with children.

He passed away in February 1995 at the age of 78, leaving behind his two children - Jim and Rosie. Both have played significant roles in ensuring that adaptations of their father's stories honour his legacy.

James tied the knot with Joan Catherine Anderson Danbury on November 5, 1941. Their son Jim was born two years later in 1943, followed by Rosie in 1947.

Alf Wight with his dog Bodie
Alf Wight with his dog Bodie -Credit:Daily Record

Jim, whose full name is James Alexander, followed in his father's footsteps and became a vet, even partnering at his father's practice. Rosie, or Rosemary, pursued a career in medicine.

During James's service with the Royal Air Force in 1942, his wife Joan moved in with her parents.

After being medically discharged from the RAF, James joined his wife and they resided together until 1946.

Subsequently, they relocated to 23 Kirkgate, where he established his practice.

In time, he and his wife moved to a house on Topcliffe Road, Thirsk, before finally settling in the village of Thirlby with their family.

It was his wife who inspired James to pen a book about his life, something he had always aspired to do.

James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland and on the right, Jim Wight, son of Alf Wight
James Berresford, chief executive of VisitEngland and on the right, Jim Wight, son of Alf Wight -Credit:Sunday Sun

James's son Jim shared insights into his parents' wedding celebrations, revealing to Masterpiece: "They went to a little pub called The Wheatsheaf in a village called Carnaby, up in the Yorkshire Dales."

"My dad did some tuberculin testing while they were there. They couldn't afford any time off. It was work all the time in those days from my father."

"He had a very hard life because he had hardly any money. And of course, the tuberculin testing was where you could earn decent money; the government paid for it."

"My mother would have been in trousers and wellies because she was standing in among all the cattle. She was taking down all the paperwork as my dad was doing the injecting."

All Creatures Great and Small will be broadcast tonight on Channel 5 at 9pm.