Rachel Shenton: From Oscar Glory to Motherhood and Back to Yorkshire Dales

A Year of Personal Milestones for Rachel Shenton

British actress Rachel Shenton, best known for her role as Helen Herriot in Channel 5’s beloved period drama All Creatures Great and Small, has experienced a transformative 2025. The 37-year-old actress welcomed her first child with husband Chris Overton, giving birth to a baby boy on April 9, 2025. The couple named their son Orson Wilde Overton, with Shenton sharing the joyful news on Instagram with a black-and-white photo of their newborn’s feet.

Early Arrival and Heartfelt Thanks

Their firstborn arrived earlier than expected, requiring the family to stay in hospital for a period of time. Shenton expressed her gratitude to the brilliant midwives and doctors at Royal Stoke Maternity Unit. The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from celebrity friends and fans alike, demonstrating the actress’s popularity both on and off screen.

Professional Achievements and Award-Winning Legacy

Beyond her television success, Shenton’s career highlights include significant achievements in film. In 2018, Shenton won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film for The Silent Child, which she wrote, produced and starred in. Chris Overton took on the role of director for the film about a six-year-old deaf girl, showcasing the couple’s creative partnership.

Return to All Creatures Great and Small

Filming wrapped in the Yorkshire Dales for the sixth season of All Creatures Great and Small, with Shenton thanking her co-stars as she shared behind-the-scenes photos of her pregnancy bump and baby boy. The Christmas Special features the return of Rachel Shenton’s character Helen, who was absent from part of the previous season following the birth of her first child. This seamless balance between motherhood and her professional commitments highlights Shenton’s dedication to her craft.

Looking Ahead: New Projects on the Horizon

Rachel Shenton stars in the upcoming horror film The Strangers – Chapter 2, alongside Riverdale actress Madelaine Petsch, playing her sister Debbie. This demonstrates her versatility as an actress, moving between period drama, Oscar-winning short films, and now horror cinema. For fans of All Creatures Great and Small, her continued presence in the series ensures that the beloved character of Helen Herriot will remain central to the show’s heartwarming narratives.

Rachel Shenton’s journey in 2025 exemplifies the modern working mother in entertainment, successfully balancing personal joy with professional excellence while continuing to deliver compelling performances across multiple genres.