News Release July 2015 US executives are said to be full of “great ideas” for an All Creatures Great and Small remake.
Ian Ashton, managing director of the World of James Herriot in Thirsk has his fingers crossed that recent reports about a possible remake of the All Creatures Great and Small series will become a reality.
Reports in the Mirror and Mail national newspapers and online highlight the possibility with an online poll at the Mirror inviting reader’s views on whether they would watch the remake. At the time of writing 54% are in favour. (http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/tv-classic-creatures-great-small-6139290)
Ian Ashton said: “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. 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.”
The reports say that if the rumours are true, the gentle British story of a vets’ practice in the Yorkshire Dales is to be given a “big-budget remake” by HBO. The US version will reportedly be “sexier and glossier” than the original. An HBO spokesman said: “HBO does not comment on shows in production until they are green lit.”
Previously owned by the local council, the World of James Herriot is now a privately operated company whose management has a vision to continually develop it and attract more visitors including the launch of the James Herriot Legacy Fund initiative which aims to provide bursaries for people wishing to enter the animal care world and for whom the James Herriot stories have been an inspiration.
Ian Ashton 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.”
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For further information please contact:
Ian Ashton, World of James Herriot, 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 1PL
Tel: 01845 524234 E-mail: mail@worldofjamesherriot.com
Press Contact: John Gallery, Great Potential. Tel: 07967 032623
E-mail: johngallery@greatpotential.co.uk
Notes for Editors:
Set in the former Thirsk surgery and home of Alf Wight, World of James Herriot brings to life his colourful story: his lifetime’s work as a vet and his ever popular writing as ‘James Herriot’. The World of James Herriot is a unique tribute to Alf Wight, vet and author of the James Herriot stories. Based in his original surgery at 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk, North Yorkshire – the ‘Skeldale House’ of the Herriot books – it takes visitors on a journey back to the 1940s.