Patricia Hodge will take over the role of Mrs Pumphrey from the late Dame Diana Rigg in All Creatures Great and Small, it has been announced.
Veteran actress Rigg died last September at the age of 82 midway through the broadcast of the first series of the drama reboot on Channel 5, which was a surprise ratings hit with more than 5 million viewers a week.
The broadcaster has now confirmed that the role has been recast for the upcoming second series, with Hodge - known for Miranda and Rumpole of the Bailey - taking over as the much-loved character from the James Herriot novels.
"We were deeply saddened by the passing of Dame Diana Rigg who will always be a treasured member of the All Creatures family," said producer Sir Colin Callender.
"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."
The second series is currently being filmed for broadcast later this year.
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