All Creatures Great and Small is set to charm viewers on Channel 5 with its delightful season five finale. The episode, titled Glass Half Full, sees Mrs Pumphrey, portrayed by Patricia Hodge, bringing Tricki for a consultation with James Herriot, played by Nicholas Ralph. During the check-up, Tricki's health suddenly deteriorates, and James is taken ill and confined to bed, prompting Mrs Pumphrey and Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley), to take charge at Skeldale House.
Ahead of the fifth season's broadcast, fans might be intrigued by a change in the cast. Patricia Hodge has shared that Derek, the original Tricki, has hung up his leash and entered retirement, with another Pekingese stepping into the role. She said: "It was lovely to see Derek again but he has now reached retirement age and has put his paws up and having a well-deserved rest.
"He has his own stand-in, Dora. And our wonderful trainer Jill has trained Dora up very well. It's uncanny really.
Dora is slightly smaller, but she's a pretty spot-on lookalike for Derek. Derek, of course, is so laid back that he is just a joy to work with. "Dora was a bit twitchy at first, but she's really settled down.
And she's really taken to the training." Derek found a new home with animal trainer Jill Clark after his previous owner passed away and he ended up in a rescue shelter, reports Lancs Live . Jill Clark spoke to The Mirror, saying: "He's a very clever dog and very easy to train.
" Derek even received a touch of grooming magic, with "a .
