This month, Channel 5 confirmed that beloved series All Creatures Great and Small would be making a swift return with a festive Christmas special.
Despite the sixth series of the period drama concluding in October, devoted viewers are delighted they won’t have to wait much longer to revisit Darrowby.
Nevertheless, the seasonal episode will hold particular poignancy for Samuel West, who portrays Siegfried Farnon, as he’ll be watching without his parents for the first time.
The actor’s father, Timothy West, died in November last year, whilst his mother, Prunella Scales, died last month following a lengthy struggle with dementia.
During Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain, the 59-year-old discussed the forthcoming Christmas special, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He revealed to presenter Ed Balls: “We filmed in the middle of June! On the hottest day of the year, pretending to be freezing, a lot of drooping Christmas trees. The only sadness is that that was a regular television-watching date with my parents.
“We used to sit on the sofa and see it together, that won’t happen this year.”
ITV presenter Susanna Reid commented: “It’s so hard to lose one parent-” Interrupting, the actor reminded the host that people are supposed to bury their parents.
He remarked: “The thing I’m noticing is the really simple stuff, like, ‘When they die you won’t see them again’. You think you understand what that means, and then they die, and you realise you don’t. It’s all a work in progress, really.”
Samuel’s mother, Prunella, was most famous for playing Sybil Fawlty in the cherished comedy series Fawlty Towers and became a recognisable face through her character.
Tragically, it was revealed last month that the performer had died aged 93, with loved ones by her side at her London residence.
Part of the statement from Samuel and his brother Joseph read: “Although dementia forced her retirement from a remarkable acting career of nearly 70 years, she continued to live at home.
“She was watching Fawlty Towers the day before she died. We would like to thank all those who gave Pru such wonderful care at the end of her life: her last days were comfortable, contented and surrounded by love.”
All Creatures Great and Small is available to watch on My5.
