We obviously have to make it look wintry

Costume designer Ros Little brings an authentic magic to All Creatures Great And Small”. Bill Gibb discovers how she gets it all sewn up.

WHEN it was first announced that a new television adaptation of James Herriot’s books was on the way, many were hugely sceptical.

The BBC series from the 1970s and 80s was so fondly remembered that doubts were raised about how anything could possibly match it.

But Channel 5’s All Creatures Great And Small” has proved the doubters wrong, winning millions of viewers in Britain and countless more abroad.

Three smash-hit series have charmed us, and we've come to love Nicholas Ralph’s James, Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon, Callum Woodhouse as Tristan, Rachel Shenton as Helen and Anna Madeley as Mrs Hall.

The All Creatures” Christmas specials the latest of which we can soon savour have also become a very welcome part of our festive traditions.

Ros Little has been there every stitch of the way.

Ros, from Newport-on Tay in Fife, is one of Britain’s most experienced and in-demand costume designers.

She has worked on some of TV’s biggest productions, here and abroad, from The Last Kingdom” and The Crimson Field” to Inspector George Gently” and Poldark”.

Her skill, eye for detail and costume-sourcing know-how have helped add immensely to the much admired period detail of All Creatures”.

Ros can barely remember a time when she didn’t have a needle in hand.

“I started sewing when was at primary school, and I suppose was a natural,” Ros says.

“| was always keen on making things, but although went to Edinburgh College of Art, had no particular plan beyond that.

“| think my interest in textiles, sewing, art and history just all came together in me specialising in costume." On leaving college, Ros was thrown in at the deep end with a position with the Scottish Youth Theatre, having to come up with scores of costumes at late notice when the designer left.