Christopher Timothy, best known for playing James Herriot in the original BBC adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, has had a varied career and personal life since the show ended. The series, which aired from 1978 to 1990, was based on the memoirs of Yorkshire vet Alf Wight, who wrote under the pen name James Herriot. Timothy later appeared in EastEnders as Ted Murray and recently featured in Casualty.
From James Herriot to EastEnders
Before landing the iconic role, Timothy had already built a successful career in British television during the 1960s and 70s, with appearances in The Two Ronnies, Van der Valk, and Murder Most English: A Flaxborough Chronicle. He played James Herriot for 12 years before taking on roles in Jackanory, The Bill, Lewis, and Holby City.
In 2017, Timothy joined EastEnders as Ted Murray, alongside Maggie Steed as his wife Joyce. The couple moved into a flat below the Taylor family, leading to comedic clashes. After Joyce's death in 2018, Ted eventually found love again with Wanda Baptiste (Anna Domingo) and left Walford in September 2019 to travel the world.
Return to Medical Drama and Health Battle
Between 2002 and 2024, Timothy played the recurring role of Brendan McGuire in Doctors for over 900 episodes. Most recently, he appeared as Alan Gibson in Casualty in 2024.
In 2008, Timothy was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He told The Daily Star: I've had prostate cancer, but I've been clear for five years. There were only one or two people who knew.
He chose not to tell his seven children initially, as the diagnosis came shortly after their mother's death. After being given the all-clear in 2013, he went public to raise awareness and encourage other men to get tested early.
Legacy of All Creatures Great and Small
The original series, created by Bill Sellars, starred Robert Hardy as Siegfried Farnon and Peter Davison as Tristan Farnon. Timothy was initially asked to play Tristan but refused, eventually winning the role of James. The show remains beloved, with a reboot on Channel 5 starring Nicholas Ralph as Herriot. Fans are awaiting season seven of the new series, which streams on 5.
