All Creatures Great and Small series five came to end on Channel 5 last year, with James Herriot (portrayed by Nicholas Ralph) displaying highly unusual behaviour. His spouse Helen (Rachel Shenton) grew worried about his conduct, whilst Mrs Pumphrey (Patricia Hodge) recommended complete bed rest.

James was experiencing a high temperature, along with confusion and disturbing memories from his RAF service. He eventually confided in Helen about frequently holding himself responsible for the devastating casualties.

Such distressing TV scenes genuinely occurred in the life of Alf Wight, the Yorkshire veterinarian who adopted the pseudonym James Herriot.

During the mid-1950s he fell seriously ill and was "tormented for months by recurring fevers and pain", reports Lancs Live .

Amy Hanso

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