The character of Siegfried Farnon, the eccentric owner of Skeldale House veterinary practice in Channel 5's adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, is based on the real-life vet Donald Sinclair. Samuel West, who portrays Siegfried, has discussed how the series incorporates Sinclair's personal history, including the death of his wife.
Donald Sinclair took over his veterinary practice in 1939 but was called to serve in the Royal Air Force in 1940. Alf Wight, writing under the pseudonym James Herriot, managed the practice during Sinclair's absence. However, due to lying about his age, Sinclair was soon discharged and returned to veterinary work.
Sinclair had a complicated relationship with his portrayal in Wight's books, with The Irish Times reporting it was a 'genuine challenge' to their friendship. Robert Hardy, who played Siegfried in the original BBC adaptation, met Sinclair and noted that he seemed unaware of his own peculiarities.
Donald Sinclair died at his home in 1995, just two weeks after the death of his wife Audrey, with whom he had been married for over 50 years. Samuel West expressed satisfaction that the series included this backstory, stating it added depth to the character. He described Siegfried as a former charmer who had a deeply loving relationship with his wife, and whose death left him 'blocked' and still in love with her.
