Latest news with #AllCreaturesGreatandSmall
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
All Creatures Great and Small urging adoption of three rats
Shaggy, Scooby, and Scrappy, currently under the care of All Creatures Great and Small, are looking for a new home together after being signed over by their previous owner due to old age. According to a spokesperson, the three rats have had little human interaction and may become stressed when facing new people and situations. As a result, it has been advised that they do not live with young children. As older rats, Shaggy, Scooby, and Scrappy do not have the usual high energy and prefer to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. All three of the 'gentle boys' have respiratory diseases known as Mycoplasma, which has added to their distress. According to vets, this can be caused by stress and may even flare up again when the rodents enter their new home. They are currently being given medical treatment by members of the animal shelter. Scrappy also has 'several lumps on his body' said a spokesperson for the animal home. The vet has said that these may be benign, but as they can't go under anaesthesia it is impossible to confirm. They are not causing him any pain but the shelter has advised that it is something to keep an eye on. For more information visit All Creatures Great and Small animal rescue or email the charity.
Wales Online
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
We stayed in the home of Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small and felt like Helen and James
We stayed in the home of Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small and felt like Helen and James Grassington is in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and is also the star of the reboot of All Creatures Great and Small. It's a little slice of heaven Paul and Jackie Turner outside the Drovers Arms, also known as The Devonshire, in the town of Grassington Growing up, for me there was one TV theme tune that cried out Sunday night and back to school the next day more than most. All Creatures Great and Small was a staple of our family viewing in the 80s, even if that theme tune was a sad reminder that the weekend was all but done. The tale of a Yorkshire veterinary practice and the trials and tribulations of the vets and their families was required viewing in our house. Growing up in Yorkshire, we were surrounded by some very similar countryside to which vet James Herriot would take to in his car to help birth a calve or wrestle a pig, before returning to his loving wife Helen. James' grumpy boss Siegfried Farnon, Siegfried's cheeky younger brother Tristan, and the ever dependable housekeeper Mrs Hall were all household names in our home. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here But, growing up, my life path took me away from Yorkshire and eventually to Wales. When my parents also quit that part of the world, leaving just my older sister and her family still living there, my reasons for going oop north were somewhat lessened. I did so whenever I could, but with a family of my own to raise in Swansea, opportunities were rare. So I was as much excited as trepidatious when I heard Channel 5 were bringing back All Creatures Great and Small for a re-boot. Excited, as it would potentially be a deep wedge of nostalgia for the Yorkshire countryside and characters I grew to know and love, trepidatious because I feared Channel 5 would make a right pig's ear of it. Article continues below A scene from All Creatures Great and Small (Image: (Image: Channel 5) ) I hadn't watched much on Channel 5 at that point but my fear was that they would take all the warmth and fuzziness out of it and turn it into something more palatable for the perceived requirements of a modern audience with at least a thrill every 15 minutes to keep us from switching over to Squid Game instead. I feared cosy chats by the fire in Skeldale (the fictional home of Siegfried, James, Mrs Hall and co) would be replaced with drug use, unwanted pregnancies, affairs, and boy racers tearing up Darrowby high street. How wrong I was. If anything, Channel 5's rebirth is an improvement on the original. The new actors are spot on in bringing the characters back to life and Mrs Hall has been reborn as the lynchpin of the entire household and is always on hand with some jam or freshly bakes scones. There are no cheap thrills, just cosy storylines, glorious views of the Yorkshire Dales countryside, and plenty of warming cwtches around the open fire in Skeldale House with the two family dogs snuggled up in their basket. That's not to say it's somehow vacuous - there's plenty of historical references, with the Second World War brewing in the background then breaking out as the series progress, and its impact on a rural community, and storylines that tug at the heart strings. But there's also plenty of warm humour, but none of it contrived. It's the perfect show to cosy up on the sofa to and eat Victoria sponge. But it will soon have you longing to visit this beautiful part of the world, which is exactly what happened with me. I had been to Grassington previously on a number of occasions, all but one pre the rebirth of All Creatures. The town of Grassington (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) It's a market town in Wharfedale in North Yorkshire and is surrounded by glorious countryside with the River Wharfe running by. This is where the fictional Skeldale House is located in the new series, in the also made up town of Darrowby, and it features prominently - unsurprising really when you go there as the place has barely changed in centuries. Chamber End Fold, Grassington (Image: Steve Daniels / ) Enter the main square and you're faced with a cobbled central area, lined by a road and flagstoned pavements and typical traditional Yorkshire buildings made from an almost yellow-coloured stone. Inside are various shops selling crafts, homewares and clothes, but none of them flashy, all very in keeping with a historic market town. Paul and Jackie sit down to breakfast in the Stripey Badger Coffee Shop and Kitchen in Grassington There are also fabulous cafes, a great independent bookshop and, of course, the Drovers Arms, also known as The Devonshire Arms. It's the Drovers in the TV series and home to many a scene of celebration and occasional drunkenness, and if you go at the right time you might see the Drovers sign hanging above its door, ready for filming, and decide to pop in for a pint. Many of the properties in Grassington are quickly transformed for filming with new window displays to reflect the time, which are then quickly taken out for the buildings to return to their normal lives. War time posters on the side of a building in Grassington - ready for filming There are also old wartime posters on some of the walls, presumably left there for convenience sake, making you feel as if you are actually in Darrowby, and likely to bump into Siegfried or Mrs Hall any moment. We stayed in the Black Horse Hotel for our visit - a dog-friendly establishment which meant our cocker spaniel Florence could join us on the trip. The 17th century coaching inn also has a great restaurant serving up al la carte and traditional dishes. Traditional fish and chips with mushy peas at the Black Horse Hotel (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) Just yards from the central square, it's ideally located for an evening stroll around the town's cobbled streets, after the tourists have mostly gone home for the day, making you feel like James and Helen, heading out to stretch their legs and maybe pop into the Drovers to see a few friends and try to get Tristan to buy the drinks for a change. By day, once you have had a coffee and a cake in the Stripey Badger Coffee Shop and Kitchen, and perhaps browsed some of the staff recommendations in the bookshop next door. or taken in the delights of the Cobblestones Cafe (my late grandparents' favourite cafe in the world - so it has a special place in my heart), there is so much to see in the surrounding area. Glorious open moorland on the Dales Way (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) We took a stroll north of Grassington on the Dales Way. Within moments we found ourselves in greener than green fields with white stone walls, making our way over stiles until we reached the wilds of Grassington Moor where all that surrounded us was open countryside. Our path took us to the top of a steep-sided valley and a walk through an ever narrowing gorge and into the charming village of Conistone, a typical scene from All Creatures if ever there was one with its large green, and gorgeous cottages. Jackie with a view down a gorge (Image: Paul Turner / Media Wales ) From there we headed south along a minor road with barely a car to be seen, around the edge of Grass Wood and then off the track and onto a wider green path following the snaking river Wharfe and eventually back to Grassington. If you're a fan of All Creatures Great and Small, the original, the reboot or both, then Grassington should most definitely be on your list of places to visit. Seems appropriate to end with a picture of a happy dog in the beautiful Dales countryside While real-life vet James Alfred Wright, pen name James Herriot, was located in Thirsk, which is located north east of Grassington, the landscapes around Grassington are just as much the epitome of the world he wrote about, and now, of course, the home of the new TV series based on his books. Wandering around the town and the Dales that surround it, it was easy to imagine ourselves as James and Helen, going about their day-to-day lives, thankful for every day of living in such a beautiful place. Article continues below It's a little slice of heaven... with cakes supplied by Mrs Hall.
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Emmerdale actor leaves fans in 'bits' as he breaks down at Soap Awards
Fans watching the British Soap Awards on TV spotted the emotional moment. Emmerdale fans were left emotional whilst watching the British Soap Awards as long-time cast member Jeff Hordley, who plays Cain Dingle, broke down in tears during a powerful tribute. The glittering took place at London's Hackney Empire on Saturday (May 31) but aired on TV on Thursday night. On the evening a Memorial section was included in the ceremony to honour late soap icons who are sadly no longer with us. Among the stars who were remembered were Meg Johnson, Kenneth Cope, Anita Carey, and finally Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle, writes The Mirror. Steve, who passed away in December 2023 at the age of 77, played the much-loved patriarch of the Dingle family for almost thirty years. The star first appeared in the ITV soap in 1994, and then went on to be featured in more than 2,400 episodes of Emmerdale. His tribute featured a moving montage of his work, which was accompanied by a live piano instrumental. As Halliwell's final clip played, cameras panned to Jeff Hordley, who plays Zak's son in the soap. The actor was visibly emotional and looked as if he was wiping away tears from his eyes, which prompted a heartfelt reaction from fans on social media. One viewer wrote: "Aww, you could see at the end there seeing Steve affected Jeff." Another affected fan added: "Broke me that Steve Halliwell with Jeff Hordley." Steve Halliwell passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones, according to a statement released by his family in 2023. They said: "He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for." ITV also released a touching tribute at the time, saying: "Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him." Aside from Emmerdale, Halliwell also appeared in popular shows including Coronation Street, Heartbeat, All Creatures Great and Small, and Cracker. However, it was his portrayal of farmer Zak Dingle that he is primarily remembered for. He previously opened up about his family's financial hardships during his childhood, admitting that his mum couldn't even afford to buy him a bacon sandwich. Steve shared: "When I first went on this walk there was a small café in the woods known as Nab's Wife (a corruption of the area originally known as Nab's Wharfe), where you could get a refreshing cup of tea and a Mars bar. You could also get a bacon butty, but we never had enough money for such 'luxuries'. On one occasion I persuaded mum to give Clive and me enough money for a bacon butty each, but when we got to the café it was all boarded up and, sadly, never reopened." He was homeless and even imprisoned for "wandering" under the Vagrancy Act early on in his adult life before he went on to find solace in acting and made a name for himself as the formidable head of the Dingle family. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Daily Mirror
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Emmerdale's Jeff Hordley leaves fans in 'bits' with emotional Soap Awards reaction
The actor could be seen struggling not to cry during the In Memoriam segment where ITV paid tribute to the late Steve Halliwell Emmerdale fans were left deeply moved on Thursday night (June 5) as long-time cast member Jeff Hordley struggled to hold back tears during a powerful tribute at the British Soap Awards. The star-studded ceremony took place at London's Hackney Empire on Saturday (May 31), and aired five days later, with fans eagerly tuning in to witness the highs and lows of the evening. One of the night's most poignant moments came during the In Memoriam segment, as the ceremony honoured soap icons who have sadly passed away. Among the stars who were remembered were Meg Johnson, Kenneth Cope, Anita Carey, and finally Emmerdale legend Steve Halliwell, who played Zak Dingle. Steve, who died in December 2023 at the age of 77, starred as the much-loved patriarch of the Dingle family for nearly three decades. After first appearing in the ITV soap in 1994, he went on to be featured in more than 2,400 episodes of Emmerdale. His tribute featured a moving montage of his work, which was accompanied by a live piano instrumental. As Halliwell's final clip played, cameras panned to Jeff Hordley, who plays Zak's son Cain Dingle. The Oldham-born actor was visibly emotional and looked as if he was struggling not to cry, which prompted a heartfelt reaction from fans on social media. One viewer wrote: "Aww, you could see at the end there seeing Steve affected Jeff." Another affected fan added: "Broke me that Steve Halliwell with Jeff Hordley." Steve Halliwell died peacefully with people who loved him by his side, according to a statement released by his family in 2023. They said: "He went to sleep, peacefully with his loved ones around him. He was making us laugh to the end, the most amazing father and grandfather you could ever wish for." ITV also released a touching tribute at the time, saying: "Steve will forever be synonymous with Emmerdale. The proud defender and head of the Dingle family. Heart and humour in all he did, it has been and always will be impossible not to smile when you think of him." Outside of Emmerdale, Halliwell had acting credits in Coronation Street, Heartbeat, All Creatures Great and Small, and Cracker. However, it was Zak Dingle that he is primarily remembered for. He previously opened up about his family's financial hardships during his childhood, admitting that his mum couldn't even afford to buy him a bacon sandwich. Steve shared: "When I first went on this walk there was a small café in the woods known as Nab's Wife (a corruption of the area originally known as Nab's Wharfe), where you could get a refreshing cup of tea and a Mars bar. You could also get a bacon butty, but we never had enough money for such 'luxuries'. On one occasion I persuaded mum to give Clive and me enough money for a bacon butty each, but when we got to the café it was all boarded up and, sadly, never reopened." He was homeless and even imprisoned for "wandering" under the Vagrancy Act early on in his adult life before he went on to find solace in acting and made a name for himself as the formidable head of the Dingle family.
The Irish Sun
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Hollyoaks star confirms exit as he breaks silence on shock goodbye just a year after returning
A HOLLYOAKS star has confirmed his exit as he addressed his character's shock goodbye. This departure comes just a year after the fan favourite Advertisement 4 Charlie Clapham has confirmed his exit from Hollyoaks Credit: Instagram 4 Viewers were sad to see Freddie Roscoe go Credit: Channel 4 4 The character was forced to write a suicide note Credit: Channel 4 Charlie Clapham has Taking to Instagram following his final scenes, Charlie posted: "What a ride. "This isn't goodbye @hollyoaksofficial just a see you soon… Or maybe not, who knows!? Thank you for your kindness. Ciao 4 now." Advertisement Read more on Hollyoaks A fan commented: "What an absolute joy it's been having you back! Good luck with your next epic adventure Charlie!" Another shared: "Oh no and we'll miss you on our screens." A third shared: " I've always enjoyed watching Freddie roscoe shame he's gone again great job you did @charlieclapham91 best of luck hopefully Freddie shall return one day ." While a fourth remarked: "Going to miss you! Freddie Roscoe owns my heart!" Advertisement Most read in Soaps Viewers watched as Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) The gangster wanted revenge after Freddie ensured a letter he'd written to Mercedes (Jennifer Metcalfe) never reached her. Hollyoaks killer to return after three years in shock recast He proceeded to intimidate his love rival into writing a suicide note. Warren also taunted Freddie by saying everyone in his life would be better off without him. Advertisement Ultimately, Freddie complied and wrote a goodbye letter to "soulmate" Mercedes - who was crushed over his apparent death. The actor originally played Freddie from 2013 until leaving in 2017. From Hollyoaks to Hollywood James Corden played a caretaker in the early days of the soap. The former Since his short-lived time on the show he has gone on to bigger things including smash hit comedy Rachel Shenton joined the soap as aspiring glamour model Mitzeee Minniver in 2010. Over two years her character was sent to prison, got pregnant and had a number of romantic affairs. Since leaving Hollyoaks she has won an Rachel has also starred in White Gold and All Creatures Great and Small Emmett J. Scanlan played gangster turned anti-hero Brendan Brady. Emmett played the love interest of Steve Hayes, with their romance delighting fans until it turned violent. Since his departure Emmett has appeared in Emma Rigby joined Hollyoaks when she was 15 as Hannah Ahsworth. Hannah's eating disorder storyline was the first of it's kind on TV while other plots included being caught in a fire, gangland drug dealing and running away. Since leaving the soap in 2010 Nico Mirallegro got his big break with Hollyoaks starring as emo Barry 'Newt' Newton. He left the soap in 2010 and went on to star in My Mad Fat Diary, Our Girl, Rillington Place, The Ark and Common, Penance, as well as the Mike Leigh movie Peterloo and was nominated for a Bafta for his role in period drama The Village. Ricky Whittle used Hollyoaks as a stepping stone to break America. He played one of the soap's resident hunks, Calvin Valentine, from 2006 to 2011 - when he was killed off at his wedding. He also appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009. Warren Brown joined Hollyoaks in 2005 for a year as evil Andy Holt. His stint on the show consisted of date rape storylines and a crime spree, before eventually being killed off. After leaving Hollyoaks, Warren became a big hitter in TV playing DS Justin Ripley in Luther, as well as major roles in a number of dramas including Liar, Wallis Day played Holly Cunningham in the soap for years before leaving. In 2021 Earlier this year, The Sun revealed Charlie would be exiting the soap again. A source said at the time: 'Charlie has finished his stint filming. Advertisement 'He's hugely popular and everyone's really sad to see him go but the storyline is great and it was all planned out before his return. 'There's going to be a big send off for Freddie as the soap ramps up for a huge summer leading to the 30th later this year.' 4 The Sun revealed Charlie's exit earlier this year Credit: Getty
