PATRICIA Hodge has been revealed as the new Mrs Pumphrey in Channel 5's All Creatures Great and Small.

The Miranda and A Very English Scandal actress will replace the late Dame Diana Rigg who died in September last year.

Produced by Playground, filming for the second series, adapted from the books of James Herriot, is currently underway including in Kettlewell and Grassington and also shortly at Broughton Hall.

Nicholas Ralph reprises his role as young country vet James Herriot and Samuel West (Mr. Selfridge, On Chesil Beach) as James’ unconventional mentor Siegfried Farnon.

Anna Madeley (Deadwater Fell, Patrick Melrose) plays the matriarch of Skeldale House Mrs Hall and Callum Woodhouse (The Durrells) as Siegfried’s errant brother Tristan Farnon.

Rachel Shenton (Switched at Birth, White Gold) is the independent local farmer’s daughter Helen Alderson.

The home of the eccentric Mrs Pumphrey, owner of pampered Pekingese, Tricki Woo in the series is Broughton Hall.

Sir Colin Callender CBE, Executive Producer and CEO of Playground said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the exceptional response to the first series and are very appreciative of the support from Channel 5, Masterpiece, All3Media and Screen Yorkshire who have enabled us to return to Darrowby so that audiences can once again enjoy the company of the beloved inhabitants of Skeldale House.

"We were deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Diana Rigg who will always be a treasured member of the All Creatures family.

"Mrs Pumphrey and her overly indulged Pekingese, Tricki Woo, are such iconic and cherished characters in Herriot’s world and we are delighted to welcome the wonderful Patricia Hodge who will join the company as Mrs Pumphrey for Series two”.

Series two of All Creatures Great and Small will consist of a further six episodes, plus a Christmas Special, and is expected to air on Channel 5 later this year.