Dame Diana Rigg and Nigel Havers lined up to star in new All Creatures Great and Small adaptation

Mrs Pumphrey to be played by Diana Rigg, with Tricki-Woo, played by Derek.

Three well-kn0wn actors have been signed up to star in the new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small.

Dame Diana Rigg, previously of Game of Thrones and The Avengers, Matthew Lewis, who has appeared in Harry Potter and Ripper Street, and Coronation Street and Chariots of Fire star Nigel Havers will appear in the latest version of best-selling author James Herriot’s cherished collection of stories.

Dame Diana, a previous BAFTA, Emmy and Tony Award-winner, joins as Mrs Pumphrey, the eccentric owner of the overly indulged Pekingese Tricki Woo.

Lewis joins as Hugh Hulton, a wealthy landowner and rival to James for Helen’s affections. Havers joins as General Ransom, the fastidious manager of the local racecourse.

Playground production company is producing an initial series of six episodes plus a Christmas special for Channel 5.

The series is currently in production on location in the Dales.

2020 sees the 50th anniversary of the original publication of the much-loved books.