THE TV classic that entranced a generation could be about to get a glossy, big budget new-look.

All Creatures Great and Small won hearts all over the world with its cosy and affectionate stories of the life of a North Yorkshire country vet.

Regularly attracting audiences of 13 million and more, it made household names of stars like Christopher Timothy, Robert Hardy, Peter Davison and Lynda Bellingham.

The original BBC show ran from 1978 to 1990 and is still repeated but now, 25 years on, HBO – the company behind the mammoth hit Game of Thrones – it looks set to be given the full Hollywood-style treatment.

The company insists it will not comment on shows in production until they have been greenlit.

However one insider has been reported as saying: “There’s a bit of a fad for British classics after the success of Poldark and Doctor Who. There’s plenty of scope to make the storylines more modern but keep the basic formula the same.

“It’s going to be sexier and glossier and the hope is to get a couple of big names involved to help make it a success.”

As well as the TV series two films were made in the 1970s, when John Alderton and Simon Ward took on the role of the young vet.

The books, films and series put Thirsk and the surrounding area, where the real Herriot, Alfred Wight, had his practice, firmly on the tourist map.

The original surgery is now an attraction known as the World of James Herriot and it remains a big draw for holidaymakers from this country and abroad.

And its managing director, Ian Ashton, is keeping his fingers crossed that reported remake plans do make it to the screen.

“It would be splendid news if HBO bosses make the decision to go ahead with a remake because there are so many people who have been inspired by the James Herriot books, TV series and films,” he said.

“Visitors from around the world make their way to the World of James Herriot here in Thirsk and a new series would be a huge benefit for his fans and create a new generation of Herriot aficionados.”

He added: “We recently launched the James Herriot Statue and Legacy Fund as a tribute to Alf Wight, and as a new way to recognise and support people entering the veterinary and animal care profession.

“If the series remake happens it would also be a huge boost for the James Herriot Legacy Fund initiative.”