All Creatures Great and Small: see the cast at the start of their careers – best photos

While All Creatures may have been Nicholas' first small-screen role, he made his film debut in the 2021 biographical drama, The Most Reluctant Convert. 

The Scottish actor played a young C. S. Lewis in the biopic, which was released the same year All Creatures arrived on our screens. 

Nicholas, 34, auditioned for All Creatures just two years after graduating from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. He'd previously starred in theatre productions for the Royal Conservatoire, the Citizens Theatre and the National Theatre of Scotland. 

While her portrayal of Helen Alderson may be her most notable role to date, Rachel made her name as a soap star. 

A few years before the 36-year-old rose to fame as Mitzeee Minniver in Hollyoaks, she portrayed mischievous teenager Courtney in Waterloo Road. Since then, the actress has appeared in various TV series, including Switched at Birth, White Gold, and For Her Sins. 

While Samuel boasts an impressive list of TV and film credits, including Notting Hill, The Darkest Hour, Mr Selfridge, and The Crown, his first major big-screen role was Leonard Bast in the 1992 adaptation of Howard's End. 

The actor was nominated for a BAFTA in the Best Supporting Actor category for his breakout role, which was followed by a string of parts in major films and TV series. 

Long before she landed the role of Mrs Hall in All Creatures, Anna made her TV debut in the popular ITV series Cold Feet. The London-born actress appeared in one episode, playing the part of Emma. 

Just a few years later, Anna scored her first starring TV role in the period medical drama The Royal, playing Nurse Samantha. From there, she went on to appear in various popular shows, including Mr Selfridge, Poirot, The Crown, Silent Witness, and Anatomy of a Scandal.

While Callum made his name playing Leslie Durrell in the ITV period drama, The Durrells, starring alongside Keeley Hawes and Josh O'Connor, his first major role came in 2016 when he appeared in ITV's Cold Feet. 

The Durham-born star portrayed Karen and David's son Josh Marsden in the series. He went on to appear in an episode of Father Brown before landing his role in All Creatures. 

Patricia is a household name thanks to her illustrious TV and film career. While she's best known for her roles in Rumpole of the Bailey, Jemima Shore Investigates, and Miranda, one of her first major TV roles came in 1975 when she played a ballet teacher in the TV film, The Naked Civil Servant.

The 77-year-old, who was awarded an OBE for her services to drama in 2017, also boasts an impressive list of theatre credits and won an Olivier Award in 2000 for her role in the play Money.