All Creatures Great and Small Samuel West's life from rebel years to tragic death

Since 2020, Channel 5 viewers have been captivated by actor Samuel West's portrayal of Siegfried Farnon in the cherished period drama All Creatures Great and Small.

The quirky proprietor of Skeldale House veterinary practice swiftly became a hit with fans on the show, which recently saw one star recount the 'nightmare' they experienced filming the new series.

Despite becoming a staple figure on the popular programme, the 59-year-old is no stranger to the entertainment industry, having starred in notable productions such as Notting Hill, Mr Selfridge and Slow Horses.

As fans gear up for the launch of the sixth series this month, let's delve into the actor's life off-screen, including his renowned parents and rebellious years.

The actor disclosed that during his teenage years, he was incredibly shy, self-conscious and serious. However, in a chat with the Big Issue, he revealed his rebellious streak emerged later in life.

He admitted: "I was a rebellious 33-year-old. Probably my biggest note to my younger self is, get the rebellion out of the way earlier.

"Do it when you're young, when you can do it with some style, because you've got to do it some time. And if you wait till you're in your thirties to do the sex and the drugs and the rock and roll, that can really f**k you up."

Discussing his family life, Samuel confessed that he spent a long time not desiring children and lacking the 'guts to settle down'.

Eventually, he became a father for the first time at 48 alongside partner, playwright Laura Wade, reports Manchester Evening News. The couple welcomed their first daughter in 2014, before their second arrived in 2017.

It appears that performing runs in Samuel's family, with both parents having established themselves as respected figures in the acting world.

His father, Timothy West, appeared in major productions including Coronation Street, EastEnders, Gentleman Jack and The Day of the Jackal. His mother, Prunella Scales, gained fame portraying Sybil Fawlty in the classic comedy series Fawlty Towers.

Last year brought devastating news when Samuel's father Timothy passed away at the age of 90.

Reports indicate he died peacefully whilst surrounded by loved ones at a care facility, where he had been receiving support after suffering a fall.

In an interview with The Times after the bereavement, Samuel revealed his father's final conversation centred on their mutual career. Timothy had enquired: "Where are you going to rehearsals?"

The actor disclosed that Timothy died at 6:55pm - precisely when theatre performers receive their half-hour backstage warning before evening performances begin.

"I thought that was rather beautiful," the 58-year-old explained to the publication.

"No more visitors backstage. He took a deep breath in the wings and went on. And so it was a good death, surrounded by his three children. He was in his sleep, he was pain-free. I mean, we should all hope for something so good."

In the past, the 59-year-old admitted that he's had a 'turbulent' relationship with his mother throughout the years.

Tragically, his mother was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2014, though her husband had noticed symptoms of the condition years earlier.

Acknowledging that their relationship has faced challenges, Samuel revealed there are matters he wishes to discuss with her, whilst recognising this may no longer be feasible given her condition.

He previously told The Big Issue: "The things I want to ask about, I'm never going to get answers to now. But that's OK, I've made my peace with that.

"In fact, leaving the desire to answer those questions behind has been an important thing for me to do."

All Creatures Great and Small season 6 will launch on Thursday, September 25 at 9pm.