Vet departs original 'James Herriot' practice (2024)

Vet departs original 'James Herriot' practice (1)

Norton’s co-star and colleague Peter Wright.

Skeldale Veterinary Centre merges with Medivet

TV vet Julian Norton has left Skeldale Veterinary Centre - the home of ‘James Herriot’ - after it merged with Medivet.

The practice, which is based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, provided the inspiration for popular TV show, All Creatures Great and Small. The series was based on the semi-autobiographical books by James Herriot - real name Alf Wight - who wrote about his experiences as a young rural vet.

Wight, who died in 1995, worked at Skeldale for more than 30 years.

The practice has recently been brought back into the spotlight through the Channel 5 programme, The Yorkshire Vet, of which Mr Norton is a co-star.

According to media reports, Norton has resigned from the practice after it merged with the Medivet chain. He is now working at an independent practice in nearby Boroughbridge.

He is quoted by The Times as saying he could not work “in that kind of environment”, adding: “I’m a believer in independent practice and I wanted to carry on the Herriot tradition in an independent way”.

“I’ve spent every day of my life as a vet getting up in the morning with a smile on my face looking forward to going to work,” he added. “I just had a feeling that if there were financial targets put on me or other staff it would change all that and it wasn’t for me.”

Norton’s co-star and colleague Peter Wright said Medivet has taken a controlling stake but he and his colleague Tim Yates will ensure there is no change to the service. In a statement, he said:

“Since Medivet came on board as co-owners of the Skeldale practice with Tim and I, we've been very happy with how things are running and how well the team have settled in with our new partner. We considered a number of offers from several buyers but chose Medivet because of their ethos around quality and care, which is very consistent with our own culture."

He added: “We are, of course, disappointed to see Julian leave but completely respect his decision to do so”.

Medivet is comprised of a network of 200 practices, in addition to 10 ‘hubs’ around the UK that are open 24/7.

In a statement announcing the merger, the practice said the move would ‘support the long-term growth and development of Skeldale for the benefit of its staff and clients, and protect its heritage.

‘Peter and Tim will be remaining as partners in Skeldale, in partnership with Medivet. Julian will be leaving in order to pursue other interests, both in veterinary medicine and media, and he wishes Skeldale the best of success for the future.

‘Julian is leaving on good terms and has built a positive relationship with Medivet and the arrangements for Julian's departure are amicable.'

A spokesman for Daisybeck Studios, which produces The Yorkshire Vet, said: “Daisybeck Studios can confirm that it has been commissioned by Channel 5 to produce 20 more episodes of The Yorkshire Vet in 2018 and another 20 in 2019.

"Production has been underway since last autumn and the first batch of ten episodes will begin this spring. Peter Wright and Julian Norton will continue to be the key vets featured in the programme for the foreseeable future.

"Peter and Julian are incredibly popular with the audience, thanks to their warmth and knowledge of treating animals in a mixed practice. We are thrilled to be working with them both on these new series which takes us well into next year”.

Vet departs original 'James Herriot' practice (2024)

FAQs

Vet departs original 'James Herriot' practice? ›

TV vet Julian Norton has left Skeldale Veterinary Centre - the home of 'James Herriot' - after it merged with Medivet. The practice, which is based in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, provided the inspiration for popular TV show, All Creatures Great and Small.

Why did Peter leave the Thirsk vet practice? ›

“From cows and horses down to hamsters,” the TV personality explained. “And to take the farm side away from me, you know, it had to stop because it wasn't economically viable anymore and I couldn't do that work anymore.”

Where was James Herriot's vet practice? ›

Stepping through the famous red door of 23 Kirkgate, Thirsk is to step inside the World of James Herriot, the fully-restored site of his original 1940s home and veterinary practice (known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby) set in the heart of stunning Herriot Country.

Why did Julian leave Skeldale practice? ›

In a statement announcing the merger with Medivet, Skeldale Veterinary Centre explained: “Julian will be leaving in order to pursue other interests, both in veterinary medicine and media, and he wishes Skeldale the best of success for the future.”

What happened to the Skeldale vet practice? ›

His former practice, Skeldale, is now part of a wider organisation that includes more than 300 practices across the UK. The vet now runs the Thirsk Veterinary Centre with his wife, Anne, who is also a vet. He said he was happy to be continuing the independent tradition, which he believed was the best way to practice.

Why did Peter move from Skeldale Veterinary Practice? ›

Peter has specialised in treating sick or injured farm animals and when Skeldale decided to concentrate on smaller animals, he decided to go elsewhere so that he can continue working with larger breeds.

Why has Peter left the Yorkshire vet? ›

Peter explained: "I was at a crossroads when I left Skeldale, it was no longer economically viable to do farm work. "I thought, should I retire? And I went home to discuss it with Lin. "There was a silence and she said 'Well, I don't want you under my feet.

Is Julian Norton still a vet? ›

Personal life. Norton is a mixed practice veterinary surgeon, in North Yorkshire, where he lives with his wife, Anne and two sons, Jack and Archie.

Are Peter Wright and Julian Norton friends? ›

Julian found a partner and friend in Peter, whose career started in 1981 when he graduated from the University of Liverpool. With Peter's guidance, Julian became a hit with viewers of The Yorkshire Vet and he has gone on to star in the Channel 5 series, This Week On The Farm.

Are the Yorkshire vets still working together? ›

Both Julian and Peter have moved on from Skeldale Veterinary Centre and have taken up different roles at other practices in the Yorkshire Dales. Julian now runs independent vet practices in Thirsk and Wetherby, while Peter has taken up a role at Grace Lane Vets in Kirkbymoorside.

Where is Julian The Yorkshire Vet working now? ›

Julian Norton

I've been practising as a vet for 25 years and most of this time working in Thirsk, a town I've made my home. I've spent time working in the North of Scotland, the Cotswolds, a small animal emergency hospital in Pennsylvania, as well as other towns in Yorkshire.

Who is the new vet on The Yorkshire Vet? ›

Peter Wright, who was trained in Thirsk by Herriot himself, has more 40 years' experience treating all kinds of animals. After leaving Skeldale Veterinary Centre, his old boss' original practice, he now works out of Grace Lane Vets in Kirkbymoorside, on the edge of the moors in North Yorkshire.

Where is the original Skeldale House? ›

Cringley House (also known as Skeldale House) is an historic building in the English village of Askrigg, North Yorkshire. Standing on the south side of Market Place, it was built in the early-to-mid 19th century, and is now a Grade II listed building.

What town is Darrowby based on? ›

Is There a Real Darrowby? James Herriot set his stories in the fictional village of Darrowby, while his real-life veterinary practice was in the Yorkshire town of Thirsk. “Thirsk is now a much bigger town and it hasn't got that village-like feel anymore,” explains Smith. “Grassington stands in for Darrowby.

Was there a real Mrs Hall in all creatures great and small? ›

Hall has No Real Counterpart. James Herriot's stories reference a housekeeper named Mrs. Hall who is in her 60s, but she's a very minor character. However, there never was a housekeeper who lived in the real house and veterinary practice.

Did James Herriot's son become a vet? ›

The couple had two children: James Alexander (born 13 February 1943), who also became a veterinarian and eventually his father's successor in the practice, and Rosemary (born 9 May 1947), who became a general practitioner.

Was Skeldale House real? ›

Many people wonder if Skeldale House a real place. In reality Alf Wight ran his veterinary practice from 23 Kirkgate in the village of Thirsk. His books reimagined it as “Skeldale House” in the village of “Darrowby”. That original building is now home to a museum, The World of James Herriot.

What happened to Mr and Mrs Green on Yorkshire vet? ›

Since diversifying into trading in calves, the couple have remained regulars on the show as customers of Mr Wright, who has been their vet since 1982. Steve and Jean Green who farm together near Thirsk and feature in a special episode of The Yorkshire Vet on Tuesday as they celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary.

How much is The Yorkshire Vet worth? ›

According to CelebPie, the veterinarian has a net worth of over a million dollars (over £725,000).

Did The Yorkshire Vet retire? ›

Animal lovers have been following the work of Mr Wright and his colleagues on The Yorkshire Vet since 2015 and on tonight's episode it was revealed that he has left the practice, but will remain on the hit Channel 5 documentary.

Is Jean still alive in Yorkshire vet? ›

Jean is 67 years old today, while Steve is believed to be 92 years old. Steve celebrated his 91st birthday on the show last year, with the couple seen suit shopping to mark the special occasion.

Why did the Yorkshire farmers split up? ›

The pair were together 22 years but announced their separation last year after Owen admitted to having an affair. Appearing on ITV's Lorraine, Owen said: "We filmed Our Yorkshire Farm, people loved it and it was an opportunity to make something as a family. That was what drove her.

Who is Oprah Winfrey's veterinarian? ›

Dr. Marty Goldstein, (The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Martha Stewart Show, and Good Morning America) is the trailblazing veterinarian and author who has been a pioneer in natural medicine for pets, and is the focus of the film “The Dog Doc”, by Documentarian Cindy Meehl.

Who owns vet now? ›

Vets Now was founded in 2001 by Richard Dixon, a veterinary surgeon who understood the pressure of being on-call round the clock while also trying to maintain a good quality of life.

Who is the CEO of vets now? ›

Tricia Colville is the Chief Executive Officer at Vets Now.

How many practices does Julian Norton have? ›

Mr Norton had been a junior partner in the practice, which was merged with a large national veterinarian organisation Medivet, which now has more than 300 practices across the country.

Is Julian back at Yorkshire vet? ›

Julian Norton and Peter Wright return to our screens for the 15th series of The Yorkshire Vet which is starting this week. The new series airs early next week and will introduce some new faces as well as old ones.

Is Peter Wright's wife still in hospital? ›

Joanne Wright, the wife of world champion Peter Wright, was allowed to return home Thursday after being hospitalized again Monday.

Who owns Yorkshire vets? ›

Roger Wilkinson - Owner - yorkshire vets | LinkedIn.

Can you visit The Yorkshire Vet? ›

Skeldale Veterinary Centre is a working vet practice. However James Herriot's home has been turned into a visitor attraction.

Who was the famous Yorkshire vet? ›

Now in its 14th Series, the hit observational documentary follows the original veterinary surgery made famous by James Herriot.

Who is Julian the vets wife? ›

Anne Norton, wife of TV's The Yorkshire Vet Julian Norton, speaks about changes to veterinary life.

Where is Julian Norton moving to? ›

Julian is seen setting up his new practice - Sandbeck Veterinary Centre in Wetherby - after moving from his old base in Boroughbridge. The first episode shows him performing a caesarean on Violet the dog, whose puppies' lives are at risk.

Has Julian left the Boroughbridge vets? ›

It's Farewell to Channel 5's The Yorkshire Vet, Julian Norton from the veterinary practice in Boroughbridge. Julian said goodbye to the practice last Friday, 2nd October and moves on to a new practice in Wetherby.

Why has The Yorkshire Vet narration change? ›

Mike Sinclair, series producer of The Yorkshire Vet at Leeds-based Daisybeck Studios, said: “We investigated various options to allow Christopher to continue narrating the series but it just wasn't possible. "Like Chris, we were all disappointed because his voice is such a recognisable part of show.

Who narrates The Yorkshire Vet 2023? ›

The Yorkshire Vet follows all the drama, laughter and tears as a group of town and country vets at four different practices across the county help animals of all kinds. Christopher Timothy, who once played the world's most famous vet, James Herriot, provides the narration.

Who is vet Dr Scott married to? ›

Scott is married to Zoe and proud father of three daughters, a son and a dog called Skully.

Where is Darrowby in the new all creatures? ›

All Creatures Great and Small is set in the glorious Yorkshire Dales. It filmed across a range of locations in Yorkshire, including the beautiful and historic market town of Grassington, which plays a central role in the drama as 'Darrowby' Village.

Where is the Drovers arms in All Creatures Great and Small? ›

“The local pub in All Creatures is called The Drovers Arms but it's actually an amalgamation of two places . The exterior is The Devonshire pub in Grassington, but the interior is The Green Dragon Inn in Hawes, so quite far north in the Dales.

Who was the real housekeeper at Skeldale House? ›

Hired Help as Family: Audrey is far more than just Skeldale's housekeeper. Not only is she a surrogate mother figure to Tristan and James, but she is also, by all appearances, the closest friend Siegfried has in the world and the only person he will truly confide in without reservation.

Has Peter retired from Yorkshire vet? ›

As for his television career, Peter made it clear he has no plans to call it quits just yet. “It's business as usual as far as the Yorkshire Vet's concerned,” he enthused.

Are Julian Norton and Peter Wright friends? ›

Julian found a partner and friend in Peter, whose career started in 1981 when he graduated from the University of Liverpool. With Peter's guidance, Julian became a hit with viewers of The Yorkshire Vet and he has gone on to star in the Channel 5 series, This Week On The Farm.

Where has Julian from The Yorkshire Vet gone? ›

About the Author

He contributes a weekly column to The Country Week section of The Yorkshire Post, documenting his weekly veterinary anecdotes. Julian currently works in the market town of Boroughbridge, continuing his passion for independent mixed practice, where he works with his wife, Anne who is also a vet.

How much is Peter The Yorkshire Vet worth? ›

According to CelebPie, the veterinarian has a net worth of over a million dollars (over £725,000). Peter Wright studied veterinary science at Liverpool University and started working at Skeldale Veterinary Centre in 1996.

What are the Yorkshire vets doing now? ›

They will be working at Donaldson's practice in West Yorkshire. The young vets include Matt Smith, Shona Searson, David Melleney and Robin Aojula. They will be caring for farm animals, wildlife and popular pets alongside some of the more exotic animals.

Did Dimitri Van den Bergh live with Peter Wright? ›

Dimitri van den Bergh OPENS UP on living with Peter Wright + vicious attack on his father - LiveDarts.

Does Peter Wright still work at Grace Lane Vets? ›

In 2021, Peter decided to leave Skeldale as it was no longer "economically viable". He now works part-time at Grace Lane Vets in Kirkbymoorside.

Where does Julian Norton practice? ›

Julian Norton

I've been practising as a vet for 25 years and most of this time working in Thirsk, a town I've made my home. I've spent time working in the North of Scotland, the Cotswolds, a small animal emergency hospital in Pennsylvania, as well as other towns in Yorkshire.

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