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All Creatures Great and Small star plots future away from smash-hit Channel 5 period drama

A whopping 4.4 million viewers tuned into the special of the hit period drama

A STAR of All Creatures Great and Small is plotting a future away from the smash-hit Channel 5 period drama.

Nicholas Ralph, who plays the affable veterinary surgeon James Herriot, fancies playing a different character.

James Heriott's family are the epitome of the community inspired by the war
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James Heriott's family are the epitome of the community inspired by the warCredit: PA
Helen Alderson and James Herriot's romance blossoms during the war
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Helen Alderson and James Herriot's romance blossoms during the warCredit: Playground Television (UK) Ltd.
Nicholas' character is the loveable Yorkshire vet but he yearns to play a more complex character
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Nicholas' character is the loveable Yorkshire vet but he yearns to play a more complex characterCredit: PA

Speaking exclusively to The Sun about his dream role away from the Yorkshire Dales, Nicholas said: "I would love to do...

"I've always liked psychological thrillers. So like, Memento is one of my favourite films.

"You know, so that, like something, yeah, a bit gritty. Certainly, psychological thrillers, I just love them, when you're not quite sure, you know, what's going on…"

Meanwhile, despite having plenty of experience in the countryside, Nicholas isn't keen for an Emmerdale role.

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He said: "I've spent a lot of time in Yorkshire on the farms, so no."

Nicholas returned to the heartwarming Yorkshire-based drama for the Christmas special.

His fan-favourite character James is married to Helen, played by Rachel Shenton.

The couple spent Christmas with their baby Jimmy during the backdrop of the Second World War.

A whopping 4.4 million viewers tuned into the one-hour All Creatures Great and Small special.

All Creatures Great and Small viewers break down in tears at Christmas special as they say ‘my heart was in my mouth’

All Creatures Great and Small first premiered on Channel 5 in September 2020.

It is based on a series of books by Yorkshire vet, Alf Wright under the pen name James Herriot.

A previous series ran on the BBC from 1978 to 1990.

Where is All Creatures Great and Small filmed?

All Creatures Great and Small follows the life and work of veterinary surgeons, James Herriot and Sigfried Farnon, set to the stunning back drop of the Dales.

The show is filmed in the Yorkshire Dales, which is where All Creatures Great and Small is also set.

Some of the show was also shot in Arncliffe, the village used for some aspects of Skeldale House, and Yockenthwaite Farm.

A local pub called The Devonshire was used as the exterior for the fictional inn, The Drovers Arms.

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