Who is the real Rosie Herriot as All Creatures Great and Small season 6 returns?

All Creatures Great and Small series 6 has returned to Channel 5 with episode one set in May 1945, as victory in Europe is announced.

Helen Herriot (portrayed by Rachel Shenton) is relishing moments with her youngsters Jimmy (Thomas Riches) and Rosie (Arlie and Autumn Doyle) whilst facing significant transformations at Heston Grange - the cast recently opened up about their filming experience.

The programme draws inspiration from the actual experiences of Yorkshire veterinarian Alf Wight, who adopted the pseudonym James Herriot for his enduring literary works.

The genuine Alf Wight indeed had a son named Jimmy and a daughter called Rosie (complete name Rosemary), and the actual Rosie Page expressed being "very excited" regarding the Channel 5 interpretation of her father's publications.

Speaking with her brother Jimmy, she commented on the programme: "We would encourage viewers not to regard it as in competition with the original, but to see it for what it is - thoroughly enjoyable family entertainment, sitting comfortably and respectfully alongside the fantastic old series."

"It is different from the original, but very professionally done, with wonderful acting and lovely Dales scenery. We think it is a very worthy addition to the Herriot portfolio."

Rosie, a doctor, also revealed to PBS details about her parents' existence and how she and Jimmy would accompany their father during his veterinary visits.

She revealed: "We both went around with him from a very young age, before we could read, but we knew we were a big help. We opened gates for him.

"In those days there were little farms with about eight gates between them. And it was a great help to have someone get out, open it, rather than having to stop and get out.

"You can picture it, probably. But we also knew which were the common drugs dad used. And he could say to one of us, 'Just, can you fetch me the penicillin and a syringe?' And we knew which one to bring and were genuinely helpful."

She confessed that her father did not encourage her to pursue a career as a vet, predominantly because in those days the profession was dominated by men.

She added: "I don't think dad wanted his little girl lying in cow byres in the middle of the night, flat on her face.

"He kept saying, 'No, you'd rather be a doctor, wouldn't you?' And I have to say, I don't regret it. I was happy being a doctor."

Rosie went on to become an official patron of Herriot Hospice Homecare, a charity providing home-based hospice care and other services across North Yorkshire.

As of 2015, she resided in Thirlby near Thirsk and had volunteered for the charity for many years.

To this day, she continues to entertain guests with stories about her dad and in 2024 hosted a talk at the Bedale Community Library and 'An Evening with Rosie Page' at Leyburn Arts and Community Centre.

All Creatures Great and Small season 6 airs on Channel 5 from September 25 at 9pm