All Creatures Great and Small's Rachel Shenton recalls 'awkward' meeting with co-star

Although All Creatures Great and Small concluded its sixth series in October, Channel 5 viewers are set for a festive treat with a double dose of Darrowby charm.

In addition to the annual Christmas episode, fans will be treated to a behind-the-scenes special featuring Graeme Hall, who was granted all-access during his cameo role on the set.

During the documentary, the Channel 5 star unveiled some hidden secrets, chatted with crew members, and observed how the myriad animals featured in the series are trained.

One segment also reveals the cast's first impressions of each other. Actress Rachel Shenton disclosed that the first person she met from the cast was her on-screen spouse, Nicholas Ralph, reports the Manchester Evening News.

She remarked: "We got on like a house on fire straight away." However, her initial encounter with co-star Samuel West, who portrays Siegfried Farnon on the Channel 5 show, was slightly more awkward.

She continued: "I remember a train journey up to Yorkshire where I was super nervous. If I remember rightly, I met or I was sat with Nick and Cal (Callum Woodhouse) joined us, I remember thinking he was hilarious.

"Before I saw those two, I saw Sam and I sort of smiled at him in such a way that he sort of side-eyed me and smiled at me. I think he might've thought that I fancied him or something!

"It was ever so slightly awkward for a minute until I plucked up the courage to say, 'I'm in the show with you'. He obviously didn't have a clue who I was."

Meanwhile, Callum discussed encountering his on-screen sibling, admitting he felt apprehensive about the meeting having long admired Samuel's performances.

He remarked: "First impressions of Nick and Rachel were absolutely fantastic. We got on so quickly. By the end of the first night, we were best mates."

Interestingly, Anna Madeley and Nicholas' first meeting was actually filmed for the programme during the scene where James Herriot was inebriated in the animal shed, as the pair hadn't been introduced previously.

Channel 5 audiences can tune into the behind-the-scenes special before the Christmas episode, which hints at significant choices ahead.

An official synopsis states: "It's Christmas 1945 and Darrowby is preparing for its first peacetime festive season. With Helen (Rachel Shenton) unwell, James (Nicholas Ralph) steps in to organise the village Nativity, but juggling rehearsals and veterinary duties proves challenging, especially when Tricki's future as a father comes into question. Siegfried returns to Mrs Stokes' (Susan Hilton) Farm, where Hilda the goat is causing trouble again.

"At Skeldale, Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) rallies the team for the Drovers' darts competition, while Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) scrambles to sort the Christmas tree, with help from Charlotte (Gaia Wise). As old friends reappear and heartfelt conversations unfold, the festive spirit brings laughter, reflection and a few surprises."

All Creatures Great & Small: Behind The Scenes is on Wednesday 24th December at 8pm. All Creatures Great & Small: Christmas Special will follow at 9pm.