Nicholas Ralph is a Scottish actor best known for his breakout role as James Herriot in the critically acclaimed Channel 5 and PBS Masterpiece series All Creatures Great and Small. Born in Cape Town and raised in the Scottish Highlands, Ralph transitioned from a promising youth football career to the stage before landing his iconic television role in 2020. This comprehensive guide explores his early life in Nairn, his rigorous training at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, and his expanding filmography, which includes notable projects like The Most Reluctant Convert and the upcoming 2026 series Wax Fruit.
Early Life and South African Roots
Nicholas Ralph was born on April 13, 1990, in Cape Town, South Africa, before his family relocated to the town of Nairn in the Scottish Highlands. Growing up in a scenic coastal environment, he spent his childhood navigating a balance between his South African heritage and his Scottish upbringing. His early years were marked by frequent international travel, as he often visited relatives in the United States, specifically in Georgia and Texas, until his mid-teens.
The actor’s childhood was deeply connected to the outdoors, with his family home in Nairn situated directly adjacent to open farmland. He recalls a youth spent playing in fields shared with cows and sheep, an experience that would later provide him with a natural comfort around animals on professional sets. This rural background fostered a grounded personality and a deep appreciation for the community-oriented lifestyle often depicted in his later work.
Youth Career in Association Football
Before pursuing the performing arts, Nicholas Ralph was a dedicated athlete who played competitive association football at a high level for several years. He represented Ross County from primary school until the age of 17 and later joined the Nairn County under-19s squad as a talented young player. Ralph often served as the captain of his teams, a role that instilled in him a sense of leadership and a preference for collaborative, team-oriented environments.
The transition from the football pitch to the stage occurred during his secondary school years at Nairn Academy, despite initial skepticism from his teachers. While some educators suggested he pursue a career in physical education, Ralph found that the camaraderie and “togetherness” of a football team mirrored the collaborative energy of a theatre cast. He eventually chose to leave his sports career behind to enroll in drama studies, though he still maintains his fitness and interest in the sport today.
Education at the Royal Conservatoire
Nicholas Ralph’s formal training began at Inverness College, where he studied drama before successfully auditioning for the prestigious Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) in Glasgow. He graduated from the RCS in 2017, a world-renowned institution that has produced several high-profile actors, including James McAvoy and David Tennant. During his time in Glasgow, Ralph immersed himself in classical and contemporary theatre, refining a versatile range of accents and performance styles.
His time at the Conservatoire was instrumental in shaping his professional work ethic and technical skill set. He participated in a wide array of productions, from Shakespearean tragedies to modern experimental plays, which helped him build the stamina required for leading television roles. Ralph lived in Glasgow for seven years, developing a love for the “hustle and bustle” of city life that stands in stark contrast to the quiet rural settings of his most famous projects.
Breakout Role in All Creatures Great and Small
In 2020, Nicholas Ralph made his professional television debut as James Herriot in the reimagined series All Creatures Great and Small. Based on the beloved memoirs of Alf Wight, the show follows a young veterinarian who moves from Glasgow to the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s. Ralph’s portrayal has been lauded for its warmth, sincerity, and “quiet backbone,” capturing the essence of a man navigating both professional challenges and a burgeoning romance with Helen Alderson.
To ensure authenticity in the role, Ralph underwent extensive training in veterinary procedures under the guidance of on-set advisor Andy Barrett. He learned how to approach large livestock, handle surgical tools, and perform examinations that were common in the pre-war era. This dedication to realism has made the show a global success, with Ralph’s performance serving as the emotional anchor for audiences across the UK and the United States.
Career Expansion into Film and Audio
Following the success of his television debut, Nicholas Ralph expanded his repertoire into the world of feature films and professional narration. In 2021, he starred as a young C.S. Lewis in The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis, a biographical drama that explored the author’s journey from atheism to Christianity. He also appeared in the 2022 supernatural horror film Prey for the Devil, demonstrating his ability to handle diverse genres beyond period drama.
In addition to his screen work, Ralph has become the definitive voice for the modern James Herriot experience by narrating the entire series of audiobooks. He spent hundreds of hours in the recording studio, meticulously researching 1930s veterinary jargon and mastering various Yorkshire dialects to bring the characters of Darrowby to life. This project allowed him to deepen his connection to the source material, providing him with a “bible” of character traits to use during filming.
The Cultural Impact of James Herriot
The character of James Herriot holds a significant place in British literary and television history, and Nicholas Ralph has been credited with introducing the stories to a new generation. By balancing the “neutral” Scottish accent of the real Alf Wight with the requirements of a modern production, Ralph created a version of Herriot that feels both timeless and accessible. The show’s focus on community, kindness, and the bond between humans and animals has resonated particularly strongly with viewers during times of global uncertainty.
Ralph has often spoken about the “big welly boots” he had to fill, following in the footsteps of Christopher Timothy, who played the role in the original 1978 series. Rather than copying previous iterations, Ralph focused on the three-dimensional reality of the real-life people the characters were based on. His collaboration with the Wight family, including Alf’s children Jim and Rosie, helped him capture the nuances of a man who possessed a “patience of a saint” but wasn’t afraid to stand his ground.
Theatre Background and Stage Credits
Prior to his television fame, Nicholas Ralph was a prolific stage actor, working with some of Scotland’s most respected theatre companies. His credits include performances with the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow and the National Theatre of Scotland, where he appeared in the lead role of “Logan” in the production Interference. He also toured with the Wonder Fools production of 549: Scots of the Spanish Civil War, a play that received critical acclaim for its historical depth and emotional resonance.
His theatrical training is evident in his physical acting and his ability to convey complex emotions through subtle expressions. Ralph has often noted that his first professional job after graduating was a pantomime at the Citizens Theatre, where he played both a canine character and Prince Charming. This early exposure to varied roles—ranging from physical comedy to earnest drama—prepared him for the multifaceted nature of filming on a busy television set.
Upcoming Projects: Wax Fruit and Beyond
As of 2026, Nicholas Ralph is set to star in the highly anticipated period drama Wax Fruit, an adaptation of the Guy McCrone trilogy. Described as “Succession meets Bridgerton, in tartan,” the series follows the Moorhouse family’s rise from rural poverty to the elite merchant class of Victorian Glasgow. Ralph joins a star-studded Scottish cast that includes Martin Compston and Ashley Jensen, marking a significant step into large-scale ensemble drama.
The project is particularly meaningful for Ralph as it explores the history of Glasgow, a city where he lived and trained for nearly a decade. The series is expected to showcase a more “gritty” side of 19th-century society, allowing Ralph to move away from the gentle atmosphere of the Yorkshire Dales into a more intense, character-driven narrative. Fans are eager to see him tackle the role of a man navigating the explosive social changes of the Victorian era.
Personal Life and Off-Screen Interests
Despite his rising fame, Nicholas Ralph remains known for his humble and grounded nature, often attributing his success to his family and his upbringing in Nairn. He currently resides in London, where he enjoys the energetic pace of the city, though he frequently returns to the Highlands to visit his brother and parents. While he plays a veterinarian on screen, Ralph does not currently own any pets due to his busy travel schedule, though he fondly remembers a childhood guinea pig named Nip.
In his spare time, Ralph is an avid golfer and continues to follow football closely, supporting his cousin Julia Ralph Scott, a professional footballer who has represented the Scotland national team. He is also a fan of live music and theater, often spotted supporting fellow Scottish actors in London’s West End. Ralph’s ability to maintain a private personal life while engaging warmly with his fanbase has made him one of the most respected young actors in the industry today.
Relationship and Collaborations with Cast
The chemistry between Nicholas Ralph and his All Creatures Great and Small co-stars is a significant factor in the show’s enduring popularity. He shares a particularly close bond with Rachel Shenton (Helen Herriot) and Samuel West (Siegfried Farnon), often describing the cast as a “second family.” During filming in the Yorkshire Dales, the actors frequently lived in the same apartment block, cooking dinners for one another and engaging in “hijinks” to keep spirits high during long, cold filming days.
Ralph has also expressed great admiration for the animal actors on set, specifically Derek, the Pekingese who plays Tricki Woo. He famously joked that the animals are often more professional than the human actors, rarely missing a mark and even “falling asleep on cue” during medical scenes. This mutual respect among the cast and crew has created a supportive environment that translates into the genuine warmth seen on screen.
Practical Information and Career Milestones
Key Career Timeline
- 1990: Born in Cape Town, South Africa.
- 2017: Graduated from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
- 2020: Debut in All Creatures Great and Small as James Herriot.
- 2021: Leads the film The Most Reluctant Convert.
- 2024-2025: Narrates the complete James Herriot audiobook series.
- 2026: Stars in the Victorian drama Wax Fruit.
Acting Stats and Skills
- Vocal Range: Baritone.
- Accents: Standard Scottish, Glasgow, Highlands, RP, American, South African.
- Special Skills: Fencing, Football, Golf, Veterinary Procedures (Stage/Screen).
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Nicholas Ralph prepare for the role of a vet? Ralph worked closely with a professional veterinary advisor, Andy Barrett, to learn authentic 1930s medical procedures. He practiced handling sheep and cattle and even used prosthetic animals to simulate complex tasks like birthing calves to ensure his movements looked natural on camera.
Is Nicholas Ralph actually Scottish? Yes, although he was born in South Africa, he moved to Scotland as a young child and grew up in Nairn. He considers himself Scottish and speaks with a natural Highland accent, which he subtly adjusts for his roles.
Does Nicholas Ralph have any pets? Currently, he does not have any pets. He lives in a flat in London and travels extensively for filming, making it difficult to care for an animal, though he grew up surrounded by livestock in the Highlands.
What was Nicholas Ralph’s first professional acting job? His first professional roles were on stage following his graduation in 2017. He worked with the Citizens Theatre in Glasgow and the National Theatre of Scotland before landing his first television role in 2020.
Who are Nicholas Ralph’s famous relatives? His cousin is Julia Ralph Scott, a professional Scottish international footballer. Both grew up in Nairn and have achieved significant success in their respective professional fields.
Will there be more seasons of All Creatures Great and Small? As of 2026, the series has been renewed through Season 8. Nicholas Ralph continues to play the lead role of James Herriot as the story progresses through the post-war years.
Where did Nicholas Ralph study acting? He initially studied at Inverness College before moving to Glasgow to attend the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where he earned his degree in 2017.
What films has Nicholas Ralph appeared in? His film credits include The Most Reluctant Convert (2021), where he played C.S. Lewis, and the horror film Prey for the Devil (2022).
What is Nicholas Ralph’s height and birth date? Nicholas Ralph was born on April 13, 1990. He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall (178 cm).
Has Nicholas Ralph won any awards? While he has received numerous nominations and critical acclaim for his portrayal of James Herriot, he is widely regarded as one of the fastest-rising stars in British television, contributing to the show’s multiple industry awards for best drama.
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