In an extraordinarily candid and moving interview, Peter Wright, the beloved star of Channel 5's hit series The Yorkshire Vet, has shared the profound details of a heartbreaking final promise he made to his mentor, the world-renowned author Alf Wight—better known to millions as James Herriot.
The emotional pledge, made at the bedside of the dying literary legend, has defined Wright's entire career and personal ethos, guiding his work long after Herriot's stories of rural Yorkshire vet life became global sensations.
A Bond Forged in the Dales
Wright's journey began not in front of the cameras, but as a young trainee at the very Skeldale Veterinary Practice in Thirsk that Wight made famous in his All Creatures Great and Small books. Under the watchful and kind eye of Wight, Wright learned more than just surgical procedures; he absorbed a philosophy of compassion, humility, and unwavering dedication to the animals and people of Yorkshire.
This unique apprentice-master relationship blossomed into a deep, lifelong friendship, rooted in their shared love for the rolling dales and its creatures.
The Bedside Promise
As Alf Wight's health declined, Peter Wright made a solemn vow to his mentor. He promised to protect and champion the old-fashioned, hands-on veterinary values that Wight held dear. This meant prioritising the welfare of the animal above all else, practising with a generosity of spirit, and always maintaining the deep connection with the farming community.
It was a promise to ensure the 'Herriot legacy' would never be forgotten, even as modern corporate practices began to change the face of the profession.
Upholding the Herriot Legacy Today
Now a celebrated television personality in his own right, Wright continues to honour that promise every single day. The Yorkshire Vet is more than just a TV show; for Wright, it is a direct continuation of Wight's work—a window into the world of traditional Yorkshire veterinary practice that might have otherwise vanished.
He remains a passionate advocate for the values he learned at Skeldale, often reflecting on how Wight would approach a complex case with a mixture of skill, patience, and good humour. For fans of the original books and series, Wright is a living, breathing link to the beloved James Herriot, a custodian of a cherished piece of British cultural history.
His emotional revelation offers a poignant glimpse into the private man behind the public figure and underscores the powerful, enduring bond between two men who shaped how the world sees the British countryside.
