Samuel West, the actor who has portrayed Siegfried Farnon in the Channel 5 reboot of All Creatures Great and Small since 2020, was flooded with support from fans after taking a day off from filming to celebrate his 60th birthday.
Birthday break from filming
West, who has played the straight-talking veterinarian since the series launched, posted a photograph of a custom birthday cake on social media. The cake featured a miniature fondant Siegfried driving his cherished motor through rolling countryside, complete with decorative sheep and a stone gateway.
He wrote beneath the image: "Thanks for all my birthday wishes, good people. 60 has loads of factors - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 15, 20, 30 and 60 - which might be why I feel so divided. #ACGAS gave me the day off and this amazing musical cake. The Travelcard is in the post."
Fan reactions
Within moments, fans rushed to send their birthday greetings. One admirer wrote: "Hope you had the most wonderful day!" while another gushed: "What a masterpiece of a cake. So special. Just for someone as special as you." A third fan quipped: "Happy Birthday for yesterday. Isn't 60 the new 40! Hope you had a great day."
Another added: "Nice cake, Sam! A Very Happy Birthday to you. XXX." One particularly curious follower enquired: "That is a masterpiece of a cake, whoever designed it is a beautiful genius. What a delightful gift for you to celebrate your birthday! Did you and your fellow cast and crew enjoy it?!!"
West's response
Samuel was quick to respond, saying: "We did, and it was DELICIOUS."
Series seven production
Though the most recent series concluded in 2025 with the traditional Christmas special, the cast have confirmed audiences won't have a lengthy wait for the next chapter, as production for the upcoming season is already underway. Filming for series seven commenced in February, and West has been treating fans to glimpses of behind-the-scenes action.
All Creatures Great and Small is available to watch on My5.
