All Creatures Great and Small star Samuel West has revealed the one prop that helps him feel like Siegfried Farnon when filming the hit Channel 5 drama.
The actor has played the eccentric veterinary surgeon since the popular James Herriot adaptation first arrived on screens, with Siegfried becoming one of the programme’s best-known characters.
Known for his smart suits, unpredictable temperament and unmistakable mannerisms, Siegfried has proved hugely popular with viewers.
But West has now revealed there is one particular accessory that immediately helps him slip into character.
The actor made the admission while answering a question from a fan in a video shared by the official All Creatures Great and Small social media account.
The viewer praised West’s portrayal of Siegfried and asked whether there was a particular piece of costume or an accessory that instantly made him feel like the Skeldale House vet.
West then held up one of Siegfried’s pipes and said: “Well, I think it’s probably this.”
He added: “I’m not allowed to smoke very much, but I try and get one or two good pipe-smoking scenes in every episode.”
The pipe has become one of the character’s most recognisable accessories during the Channel 5 series, alongside Siegfried’s distinctive suits.
During the same video, West also spoke about the greater emotional depth viewers have seen from Siegfried throughout the programme.
One fan highlighted a scene involving Siegfried and James Herriot before James left to begin pilot training during the Second World War.
West explained that Siegfried’s own experience of war influenced the way he approached the younger vet.
He said: “There’s nothing I can say to James, but of course, I’ve been there before and he hasn’t.
“So I can’t make him scared or doubtful. I just have to love him quietly.”
The comments give viewers another glimpse behind the scenes at the way West has developed his portrayal of the complicated Yorkshire vet.
Read more
All Creatures Great and Small first look reveals big changes as series in 'new era'
The two beautiful villages that became Darrowby in All Creatures Great and Small
First look at village transformed as popular TV show to return to our screens
Siegfried Farnon is inspired by Donald Sinclair, the real-life veterinary surgeon who employed author Alf Wight, better known by his pen name James Herriot.
All Creatures Great and Small follows the lives of the vets, their families and the wider community surrounding Skeldale House.
Much of the Channel 5 drama is filmed in the Yorkshire Dales, with Grassington famously transformed into the fictional town of Darrowby during production.
Share