The much-loved period drama All Creatures Great and Small is gracing our screens once more on Channel 5, bringing the third instalment of the season which heralds the return of fan favourite Tristan Farnon, portrayed by actor Callum Woodhouse. Tristan's previous departure tugged at viewers' heartstrings as he joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, but now he re-enters just in time for Jimmy's Christening - a moment guaranteed to stir emotions. Set against the stunning Yorkshire Dales, the show is based on the cherished tales of Alf Wight, who wrote under the pseudonym James Herriot and drew inspiration from his own experiences and the people in his life, such as Brian and Donald Sinclair with Donald being reenvisioned as the character Siegfried, played by Sam West.
It's a journey into the past, as we're reminded that the real-life counterpart of Tristan, Brian Sinclair, pursued veterinary medicine at Edinburgh's prestigious Royal Veterinary College, graduating in 1943 before returning to work alongside his brother in Thirsk. Brian's adventures led him to military service where, in 1944, he assumed responsibility for animal training and welfare within the British Army, a venture that culminated in the rank of captain as he served in Haryana, India. His personal life saw him marrying Sheila Rose, daughter of Leeds general practitioner Douglas Seaton.
After his military stint, he made his way into Scotland's Inverness, lending his expertise to the Ministry of Agriculture's Ster.