All Creatures Great and Small actor pays tribute to new co-star ‘I take my hat off to him'

All Creatures Great and Small viewers saw student vet Richard Carmody arrive at Skeldale House in season four.

By Tianna Corbin, TV reporter

All Creatures Great and Small Christmas teaser

At the end of last year, Channel 5 viewers saw a string of changes unfold for the residents of Darrowby as season four of All Creatures Great and Small kicked off.

Following the departure of Tristan Farnon (played by Callum Woodhouse), who went to fight in the war, an extra pair of hands were needed.

This resulted in the arrival of undergraduate vet student Richard Carmody (James Anthony-Rose) who would be under the guidance of James Herriot (Nicholas Ralph)

Although things started off slightly awkwardly, the newcomer settled into his role at Skeldale House.

Speaking about the addition of James Anthony-Rose to the cast, actor Nicholas Ralph had nothing but praise.

Nicholas Ralph

Nicholas Ralph paid tribute to his All Creatures Great and Small co-star (Image: CHANNEL 5)

He told Master Piece podcast host Jace Lacob: “The roles shifted a little bit. Then Jamie came in and did a wonderful job as Richard Carmody.

“I mean, coming in on a fourth season with a cast so tight as we were, after a couple of days it felt like he’d been there the whole time.

“I take my hat off to him, incredible job.”

However, the Channel 5 star did highlight the noticeable difference without his on-screen best friend Tristan.

Richard Carmody

Richard Carmody appeared as Tristan's replacement (Image: CHANNEL 5)

Nicholas confessed that the absence of the comedic character resulted in a slight shift in the dynamic within the household.

However, Richard wasn’t the only new arrival in season four as viewers saw Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton) give birth to her first child with her husband James.

The final episode drew to an emotional end as the pair embraced one another as a new family unit.

A sneak peek for the next season, which is set to air later this year, reveals there are celebrations on the way as Helen and James appear to hold a christening for the newborn.

All Creatures Great and Small

The new season of the Channel 5 show is set to air later this year (Image: CHANNEL 5)

Surrounded by their loved ones in a photo, the parents are beaming with happiness, with a familiar face behind them.

It looks as though Tristan has returned for the occasion as he’s standing behind his friend James in his full military uniform.

Although it’s not known if the fan-favourite’s return is permanent, viewers are thrilled to see him back in Darrowby.

All Creatures Great and Small episodes are available to watch on My 5.

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