The Yorkshire Vet: Why did Julian Norton leave Skeldale? (2024)

Yorkshire Vet's Peter Wright reveals why he's leaving show

The Yorkshire Vet has been airing on Channel 5 and fans have loved tuning in to see the masters at work in the Dales. Both Peter Wright and Julian Norton, who have been the main stars of the show, are known for facing all sorts of medical dilemmas with animals at their North Yorkshire practices. Norton said it was a difficult decision to leave Skeldale in Thirsk, and Express.co.uk has all you need to know.

Julian Norton joined the programme as a junior partner at Skeldale, the practice that merged with the national organisation - Medivet.

The series followed the veterinary heroes as they looked after all kinds of animals both at their practice and while on call.

There was no job too difficult or too squeamish for Julian and Peter.

Julian opened up to the Darlington and Stock Times about the reason why he left the practice and moved on.

He said he was not happy with the direction the practice was taking and has since gone on to open an independent practice.

READ MORE:The Yorkshire Vet return date: Why isn't The Yorkshire Vet on tonight?

The Yorkshire Vet: Why did Julian Norton leave Skeldale? (4)

The Yorkshire Vet: Julian helped deliver some puppies (Image: CHANNEL 5)

The 49-year-old said: "It wasn't the way I wanted the practice to go. I didn't think it offered necessarily the best way forward.

"It was a difficult decision, it was part of my life, it was a big change."

His colleague Peter has since said goodbye to the practice after more than 40 years.

He has started a new role at Grace Lane Vets in Kirkbymoorside. He will still be featuring on The Yorkshire Vet in some capacity.

He left Skeldale due to the drop in numbers of dairy herds in Thirsk, which is what he specialised in.

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The Yorkshire Vet: Why did Julian Norton leave Skeldale? (6)

The Yorkshire Vet: Julian Norton visits a client (Image: CHANNEL 5)

Norton left Skeldale after 21 years in the job, and news first came to light in 2017.

He had been inspired by the late Alf Wight, the renowned vet who wrote uplifting memoirs under the pen name James Herriot.

Speaking at the time of his departure, he said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working at Skeldale and will always treasure my memories of working at James Herriot’s original practice, which, as someone who was inspired into a veterinary career by Alf Wight in the first place, has in itself been a real honour.

"However, I do intend to continue my passion for independent mixed practice in the future, and I am looking forward to continuing the Herriot tradition in the next chapter of my career.”

He has continued to appear on The Yorkshire Vet in some capacity and in March 2021 he opened Thirsk Veterinary Centre.

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The Yorkshire Vet: Why did Julian Norton leave Skeldale? (7)

The Yorkshire Vet: Julian and Molly with some puppies (Image: CHANNEL 5)

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.

Norton explained how he preferred to make his own decisions, and not be put off by financial targets.

He said he was not aiming to be in competition with any other practice, he simply wanted to continue treating animals.

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    Norton was recently seen at a book signing in Waterstones in Durham and fans were delighted to see him.

    One viewer said: "Lovely to see Julian Norton in store, love The Yorkshire Vet!"

    The star is on Instagram and he has continued to share plenty of updates regarding his work.

    His latest post was a photo of a box of puppies, and he wanted it to "cheer everyone up".

    Fans can find out more about his new practice by visiting the website.

    The Yorkshire Vet airs on Channel 5.

    The Yorkshire Vet: Why did Julian Norton leave Skeldale? (2024)

    FAQs

    The Yorkshire Vet: Why did Julian Norton leave Skeldale? ›

    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 Peter and Julian in Yorkshire vet? ›

    According to The Yorkshire Post, Peter decided to leave Skeldale due to the significant drop in dairy herds in Thirsk – which is what the vet specialised in. Instead, Skeldale became a surgery that specialised in treating household pets including the likes of cats, dogs, and other small animals.

    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 Peter and Julian still partners? ›

    Julian Norton, Peter's former partner at Skeldale, has recently opened a new practice in Thirsk, which he runs alongside his wife, Anne. He is also a partner at Sandbeck Veterinary Centre in Wetherby. A team of young vets will also be appearing in the new series.

    Why did Peter the vet leave Skeldale? ›

    Peter, who now works at Grace Lane Vets in Kirbymoorside, explained the main reason behind his decision to leave was because Skeldale was taken over by Medivet. He said he started out at the Yorkshire practice as just a junior before he eventually became a partner.

    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.

    Where does Julian the vet work now? ›

    The Yorkshire Vet follows the work of Julian Norton, Peter Wright and now our very own Matt Smith and David Melleney and Shona Searson and the rest of the team at the Donaldson's Hospital. The Herriot style vets and their co- workers care for animals in rural communities across West and North Yorkshire, England.

    Does Peter Wright still work at Skeldale? ›

    Peter Wright, the Yorkshire Vet, has left Skeldale Veterinary Centre, after over 40 years working there. Peter was trained by Yorkshire legend James Herriot, and came up with the name for Skeldale when Herriot moved his practice there in the 1990s.

    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.

    Has Julian Norton left Boroughbridge? ›

    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 did Julian and Peter split up? ›

    There was no job too difficult or too squeamish for Julian and Peter. Julian opened up to the Darlington and Stock Times about the reason why he left the practice and moved on. He said he was not happy with the direction the practice was taking and has since gone on to open an independent practice.

    Where does Julian Norton wife work? ›

    Vet Anne Norton - wife of The Yorkshire Vet TV star Julian Norton, at Rae, Bean & Partners Veterinary Surgery in Boroughbridge.

    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.

    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.

    Why did Peter from Yorkshire vet move to a new practice? ›

    "I don't have any of that, I come in and have a lovely time." On how he came to make the decision to stay in work, he said it was all down to his wife. Peter explained: "I was at a crossroads when I left Skeldale, it was no longer economically viable to do farm work.

    Is Julian Norton married? ›

    Anne Norton MA Vet MB MRCVS

    Away from the surgery, Anne has a busy life with her husband Julian and two teenage sons and can often be found at the side of a river for a rowing event or volunteering at a swimming gala. She enjoys running with her dog Emmy and playing the violin and has two rabbits called Luna and Boris.

    Is Julian back at Thirsk? ›

    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. Meanwhile, Julian Norton – Peter's former partner at Skeldale – has opened a practice back in Thirsk, which he runs alongside his wife, Anne.

    Who are the new vets on Yorkshire vet? ›

    Following in their footsteps in upholding the Herriot ethos are a team of young vets at the Donaldson's practice in West Yorkshire. They include Matt Smith, Shona Searson, David Melleney and Rohin Aojula.

    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. With 23 years-experience as a practicing clinical Veterinary Surgeon, he is the owner and principal veterinarian at three veterinary practices in SW London, located in Richmond, St Margaret's and Old Isleworth.

    Does Dr Chris still work as a vet? ›

    Dr Chris Brown continues to work at a busy vet hospital before starting on 'new projects' at Channel Seven after jumping ship from sinking Ten.

    Where does Dr Keri Prairie Vet live? ›

    Keri: Prairie Vet follows the adventures of Dr. Keri Hudson Reykdal - a veterinarian who runs a rural vet clinic and also rides the prairie roads with her high-tech mobile clinic on wheels. Set in the breathtaking landscapes of rural Manitoba, where Dr.

    Is Matt from The Yorkshire Vet married? ›

    Amanda Smith

    I have a big love for animals having a co*ckerpoo called Phoebe, 2 cats; Pepe and Edith, 6 pet pygmy goats; Tilly, Milly, Holly, Doris, Stevie and Bobby and a fish called Swishy. I am married to Matt and have son called Arthur who, although only young, seems to also have a big passion for animals too.

    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 lives at Skeldale House? ›

    The boutique B&B is a three-storey Victorian building that is used as the front of the vetinary practice that is home to Siegfried Farnon, Tristan, Mrs Hall and James Herriot, is surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Yorkshire Dales.

    What happened to Skeldale? ›

    The veterinary practice that was made famous by legendary vet James Herriot and Channel 5's The Yorkshire Vet is set to stop treating large animals. Skeldale Veterinary Centre in Thirsk, North Yorkshire, has announced it will close its doors to farm animals from December 1 this year, treating only small animals.

    Is Jean still alive in Yorkshire vet? ›

    It wasn't long before Steve asked Jean out on a date, and only three months later the two were married. 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.

    Has The Yorkshire Vet ended? ›

    The Yorkshire Vet has become one of the county's most beloved TV series, with the show just reaching the end of its 12th run. Yet fans will be pleased to know the 13th season will air in Autumn and the smash hit has been recommissioned for series 14 and 15 next year.

    Will Peter still be in The Yorkshire Vet? ›

    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.

    Why has Julian moved to Wetherby? ›

    But Julian felt it was the right time to go as the practice was merged with the national veterinarian organisation Medivet which has more than 300 practices across the country. This pushed him to move to pastures anew and try something slightly different.

    Is Peter Wright The Yorkshire Vet married? ›

    Vet Peter has been married to his wife Lin for the past 38 years and have two children together.

    Where does Peter Yorkshire vet live? ›

    Peter lives with his wife Lin in North Yorkshire and they have two grown-up children - Emily and Andrew - and a grandchild called Archie.

    Where is Yorkshire vet filmed? ›

    The area around Thirsk nestles between the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The series follow the vets out on visits to clients in more remote farm locations, the countryside providing a stunning, ever-changing backdrop.

    Why did Peter move to Grace Lane vets? ›

    Grace Lane offers support to all creatures great and small, from family pets to horses and farm livestock. Peter left Skeldale House as he said it was "no longer economically viable to do farm work".

    How much is The Yorkshire Vet worth? ›

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

    How old are Mr and Mrs Green in Yorkshire vet? ›

    Mrs Green, 67, was born in a wooden hut next to Mr Green's father Stephen's farm after her father joined the Army and was billeted in temporary housing. When she was 27, one of her brothers who worked for the Greens, told her Mr Green wished to court her.

    Where did Julian Norton study? ›

    Norton was born and raised in Castleford's mining town and attended the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield. He then gained a place at Cambridge University to study veterinary medicine.

    How old is Yorkshire vet Peter Wright? ›

    Peter Wright was born on October 2, 1956, and so is now 65-years-old.

    Who is Matt Smith's father on The Yorkshire Vet? ›

    Matt's dad Alan Smith has seen plenty of rampaging bulls in his time, but on the rugby pitch rather than the farmyard.

    How many books has Julian Norton written? ›

    Is Edward Brownlee a vet? ›

    Edward Brownlee - Veterinarian - Sandbeck Vets | LinkedIn.

    Why is it called Skeldale? ›

    It became known as "Skeldale House" after its use as the exterior of the Darrowby veterinary surgery of Siegfried Farnon and James Herriot in the original BBC television series All Creatures Great and Small. The real Skeldale House, where Herriot worked, is on Kirkgate in Thirsk.

    Where is Darrowby in real life? ›

    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.

    Who was the real housekeeper at Skeldale House? ›

    Hall. Actress Anna Madeley discusses her All Creatures Great and Small character, Mrs.

    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.

    Where has Peter Wright moved to? ›

    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.

    Is Steve Green from Yorkshire vet still alive? ›

    While Jean is 67-years-old, husband Steve is believed to have turned 92 this year. His 91st birthday celebrations were marked on The Yorkshire Vet in April last year as the pair were filmed suit shopping for the occasion. Viewers were also touched when the couple decided to renew their wedding vows back in 2020.

    Who is Norton husband? ›

    On 10 July 2022, Norton held a wedding blessing party, with his new husband Jonathan McLeod, at Bantry House in County Cork.

    What is The Yorkshire Vet practice Centre called? ›

    The Skeldale Veterinary Centre is in Thirsk in North Yorkshire and is known as the original James Herriot practice. Julian Norton star of Channel 5's The Yorkshire Vet.

    Why did Peter leave Yorkshire vets? ›

    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.

    Has Peter retired from The Yorkshire Vet? ›

    The Yorkshire Vet star Peter Wright marks 'end of an era' as he leaves famous practice. A star of the The Yorkshire Vet said it was “the end of an era” when he left the county's most famous veterinary practice after almost 40 years.

    Is Peter The Yorkshire Vet still working? ›

    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.

    Why has Peter in The Yorkshire Vet moved surgeries? ›

    Peter was trained by Yorkshire legend James Herriot, and came up with the name for Skeldale when Herriot moved his practice there in the 1990s. However, the surgery is now becoming a specialist small animal practice, so Peter has moved on, to allow him to treat farm animals as well.

    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).

    Has Yorkshire vet moved? ›

    The 13th series of The Yorkshire Vet gets underway tonight (Sep 7) - and it shows Julian Norton moving to his new premises in Wetherby. Julian is seen setting up his new practice - Sandbeck Veterinary Centre in Wetherby - after moving from his old base in Boroughbridge.

    What is The Yorkshire Vet doing now? ›

    With more than 40 years of experience treating animals of all kinds, Peter now works out of Grace Lane Vets in Kirkbymoorside before leaving his former practice, Skeldale Veterinary Centre. Whilst Julian Norton, Peter's former partner at Skeldale, opened a practice in Thirsk, which he runs with his wife, Anne.

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