All Creatures Great and Small fans distracted by 'unrecognisable' Coronation Street star

All Creatures Great and Small fans were left distracted as they instantly recognised a new character on the Channel 5 drama

22:30, Thu, Oct 23, 2025 Updated: 22:41, Thu, Oct 23, 2025

All Creatures Great and Small

During the latest episode, it followed Harry Coker, who was the owner of a dog track who needed an attending vet for his business (Image: Channel 5)

Fans of All Creatures Great and Small were left doing a 'double take' during Thursday's instalment after they instantly recognised a fresh face.

The latest episode introduced Harry Coker, the proprietor of a dog track who required a veterinary surgeon for his establishment.

Concerned about the practice's financial situation, James Herriot opted to take on the position and travelled to Hensfield Racetrack in an attempt to earn additional income.

Yet James quickly became troubled as he examined the whippets, suspecting one animal was being mistreated purely for financial gain, with its wellbeing at stake.

Following a confrontation with irate racegoers after rescuing the dog, James was forced to make a swift and discreet departure from the track with assistance from an inebriated Siegfried Farnon as they spirited the whippet away to safety, reports the Manchester Evening News.

All Creatures Great and Small

All Creatures Great and Small fans were left doing a 'double take' on Thursday's episode as they instantly recognised a new character (Image: Channel 5)

Nevertheless, viewers found themselves distracted throughout the scenes as they immediately recognised Harry Coker, portrayed by actor Chris Gascoyne.

Chris, 57, who is most famous for his portrayal of Peter Barlow in Coronation Street, appeared virtually unrecognisable as he sported a moustache, hat and three-piece suit.

Flocking to Twitter, now X, one viewer remarked: "Peter Barlow in all creatures! I had to do a double take then!" whilst another posted: "Peter Barlow ! ! ! ! #acgas!".

All Creatures Great and Small

James had to make a hasty and sneaky exit from the racetrack with help from a drunk Siegfried Farnon as they kidnapped the whippet (Image: Channel 5)

Meanwhile, a different admirer commented: "Peter Barlow is in a episode of new series" whilst another chimed in: "Peter from Corrie in it."

This follows Chris's departure from Coronation Street in 2023 after initially gracing the cobbles in 2000 as Peter Barlow.

Coronation Street devotees were left heartbroken on Boxing Day 2023 as Peter bid his final farewell to the street after 23 years, including a touching goodbye with his now ex-wife Carla Connor, portrayed by Alison King.

Corrie

Coronation Street devotees were left heartbroken on Boxing Day 2023 as Peter bid his final farewell (Image: ITV)

Since departing from the popular ITV soap, Chris has featured in the Channel 5 drama The Feud as Lee and has recently joined All Creatures Great and Small as Harry Coker for Thursday's episode.

He isn't the first Coronation Street star to feature in this series of All Creatures Great and Small, as Lucy-Jo Hudson also secured a role in the show as Susan.

The actress, aged 42, is most recognised for her role as Katy Harris on the cobbles from 2002 to 2005. She has also made appearances in Hollyoaks and Wild at Heart.

All Creatures Great and Small continues on Thursdays at 9pm on Channel 5.