Rachel Shenton from All Creatures Great and Small ‘Heartbroken’ by Co-Star’s Departure
The beloved period drama “All Creatures Great and Small” is set to return for its fourth season, with the backdrop shifting to the tumultuous times of the Second World War. This new season promises to bring significant changes and emotional farewells, as some characters will leave Yorkshire to join the war effort. One such departure has left actress Rachel Shenton, who plays Helen Alderson, deeply affected.
In a recent interview with Masterpiece Studio, Rachel Shenton opened up about the emotional exit of her co-star Callum Woodhouse, who plays Tristan Farnon. The third season concluded with a poignant Christmas special, where Tristan made the heart-wrenching decision to enlist in the army, leaving behind his brother Siegfried Farnon, played by Samuel West, and the rest of Skeldale House.
Rachel, 35, reflected on the gravity of the situation, noting, “There was an air of seriousness which we had not seen before in All Creatures. We felt the weight of what was looming, you couldn’t not. Obviously, there was the arrival of evacuee Eva [played by Ella Bernstein], who was a beautiful addition. It was still All Creatures, it was still steeped in community and love and togetherness. But there was also this undercurrent of fear and this feeling that it won’t be the same again, and I thought it perfectly captured a little bit of everything.”
The departure of Tristan was particularly emotional for Helen, who shared a close bond with him. Rachel described the farewell scene as “very visibly emotional,” emphasizing the deep connection between the characters. “That was because of the wonderful bond she had with him and also because she knew it may or may not be that long before she had to do that with James,” Rachel explained.
Helen’s relationship with James Herriot, portrayed by Nicholas Ralph, has been a central storyline in the series. The couple tied the knot in the third season, and their love story has been a source of joy for fans. However, the looming threat of war casts a shadow over their happiness, as Helen fears that James, too, might be called to serve.
The upcoming season is expected to delve deeper into these fears and the impact of the war on the characters’ lives. Filming for the new season began last month, as confirmed by Samuel West, and fans eagerly await its release on Channel 5 this autumn.
The series, based on the memoirs of vet Alf Wight, written under his pen name James Herriot, has been praised for its heartwarming portrayal of life in the Yorkshire Dales during the 1930s. The show’s ability to balance moments of joy and sorrow has resonated with audiences, making it a beloved staple of British television.
In addition to the emotional farewells, the new season will also explore the challenges faced by Helen and James as they navigate their new life together. The couple recently discovered they are expecting their first child, adding another layer of complexity to their story. However, their joy is tempered by the dangers of the time, as Helen was exposed to brucellosis, a disease that affects both cattle and unborn children.
The Christmas special saw Helen and James grappling with the fear of losing their unborn child. After a tense period of uncertainty, they were relieved to learn that Helen’s test results came back negative. However, the experience left them shaken, highlighting the precariousness of their situation.
Rachel Shenton’s portrayal of Helen has been widely acclaimed, capturing the character’s strength and vulnerability. Speaking about Helen’s journey, Rachel noted, “There’s such a lot going on for Helen. I think her emotions are so complex, and I think honestly it might be the first time she’s ever really thought about what she wants.”
Helen’s relationship with James has been a slow burn, marked by moments of hesitation and unspoken feelings. When James first arrived in Darrowby to work for Siegfried Farnon, there was an immediate chemistry between him and Helen. However, Helen was already in a relationship with Hugh, and James held back from expressing his feelings.
The Christmas special saw Helen on the eve of her wedding to Hugh, but a series of events forced her to reconsider her future. Trapped overnight with James due to thick fog, Helen was confronted with her true feelings. This pivotal moment set the stage for her eventual decision to marry James, a choice that has brought both joy and uncertainty.
As the series moves forward, fans can expect more emotional twists and turns. The show’s ability to capture the essence of its characters’ lives, set against the backdrop of historical events, continues to be its greatest strength. Rachel Shenton’s heartfelt performance, coupled with the show’s rich storytelling, ensures that “All Creatures Great and Small” remains a beloved fixture on television.
The departure of Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon marks a significant moment in the series, one that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on both the characters and the audience. As Rachel Shenton poignantly expressed, the bond between the characters and the looming threat of war create a powerful narrative that resonates deeply.
With the new season on the horizon, viewers eagerly anticipate the next chapter in the lives of Helen, James, and the rest of the Skeldale House family. The series’ ability to blend heartwarming moments with the harsh realities of the time ensures that “All Creatures Great and Small” will continue to captivate and move its audience.
Source: Daily Express
