Callum Woodhouse, best known for his role in The Durrells, has shared the hilarious realities of filming alongside his unpredictable animal co-stars in the beloved series All Creatures Great and Small.
The actor, who plays Tristan Farnon in the Channel 5 drama, revealed that working with creatures great and small presented unique challenges that often left the cast and crew in stitches.
Animal Antics Disrupt Filming
Woodhouse confessed that the animal actors frequently stole the show with their unscripted behaviour. "You can be in the middle of a really intense scene," he explained, "and suddenly there's an animal doing something completely unexpected that ruins the take."
The 29-year-old actor described one particularly memorable incident involving a dog that decided to mark its territory at the most inopportune moment. "We were filming this emotional scene, and the dog just lifted its leg on the set. Everyone completely lost it - you just can't prepare for that kind of thing."
From Zoo Keeper to Vet
Woodhouse's transition from playing a zoo keeper's brother in The Durrells to a trainee vet in All Creatures Great and Small has given him plenty of experience with animal co-stars. He admitted that while the creatures add authenticity to the 1930s Yorkshire Dales setting, they certainly keep the production team on their toes.
"The animals have their own trainers and handlers, of course," Woodhouse noted, "but they still have minds of their own. You quickly learn that when you're working with animals, you're not really in control."
Behind the Scenes Challenges
The actor revealed that the production team must maintain constant vigilance when animals are on set. From ensuring their welfare to managing unexpected interruptions, filming with live animals requires immense patience and flexibility.
"There are times when we have to stop filming because an animal needs a break or isn't in the mood to perform," Woodhouse shared. "You just have to accept that the animals set the pace sometimes."
Despite the challenges, Woodhouse emphasised that the unpredictable nature of working with animals ultimately adds to the charm of the heartwarming series that has captured the nation's attention.
