Samuel West, who plays Siegfried Farnon in the Channel 5 period drama All Creatures Great and Small, has revealed he suggested his late father, actor Timothy West, for a guest part in the series. The show returned for its seventh series on 24 September 2026, with Siegfried already involved in a romance with Dorothy, played by Maimie McCoy.
A Family Suggestion for the Cast
Speaking to Screen Time alongside co-stars Rachel Shenton, Nicholas Ralph, and Callum Woodhouse, Samuel admitted he had wanted his father to appear in the drama. He said: "You do meet quite a lot of actors who say, 'When am I going to be in it?'. I did suggest my dad for a part once."
Co-star Callum Woodhouse said a guest appearance from Timothy would have "been great", to which Samuel replied: "I'm not sure it would unless we were actually related."
Timothy West's Career and Death
Timothy West, who died on 12 November 2024 aged 90, was known for his theatrical work, his portrayal of King Edward VII in Edward the Seventh, the sitcom Brass (1982-1990), and the travel programme Great Canal Journeys (2014-2019). He also appeared in Coronation Street as Eric Babbage in 2013, played Stan Carter in EastEnders from 2014 to 2015, starred as Jeremy Lister in Gentleman Jack in 2019, and appeared as Charles Usher in Sister Boniface Mysteries in 2023.
His death was announced by his three children in a statement that read: "After a long and extraordinary life on and off the stage, our darling father Timothy West died peacefully in his sleep yesterday evening. He was 90 years old. Tim was with friends and family at the end. He leaves his wife, Prunella Scales, to whom he was married for 61 years, a sister, a daughter, two sons, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. All of us will miss him terribly. We would like to thank the incredible NHS staff at St George's Hospital, Tooting, and at Avery Wandsworth for their loving care during his last days."
Prunella Scales' Death and the New Series
Prunella Scales, known for playing Sybil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers and for appearing in Great Canal Journeys, The Royal, Marple, Where the Heart Is, Casualty, and Silent Witness, died on 27 October 2025 aged 93, less than 12 months after her husband.
All Creatures Great and Small series seven airs on Thursdays at 9 pm on Channel 5.
