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Residents of Summerbridge were thrilled today (February 18) when the stars of Channel 5’s All Creatures Great and Small, paid a surprise visit.

Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton, who play James Herriot and Helen Alderson in the show, dropped into Summerbridge Community Hub.

The actors were warmly welcomed by local volunteers, families and fans.

Nicholas and Rachel took time to chat and pose for pictures and thanked residents for their support during nearby filming. 

For Summerbridge locals, it was a rare opportunity to meet the real people behind the characters who have brought the Yorkshire Dales to life for millions of viewers.

The series has become a source of pride for the village, and today's visit created a real buzz.

Summerbridge has played a significant role in the show’s success, with part of the production based at the village's New York Mills.

In August 2024, production company Playground Entertainment was granted approval to continue operating its studio space in the village for a further five years, allowing interior sets, including the fictional Drovers pub and Skeldale Veterinary Practice, to be built and filmed locally.

That long-term commitment strengthened ties between the production and the community, making today’s visit feel all the more special.