Why did carol drinkwater stop as wife to James Herriot - there was another person that played Helen Herriot?

You're likely thinking of the television series "All Creatures Great and Small," based on the books by James Herriot (real name James Alfred Wight).

There were two actresses who played Helen Herriot in the original series:

* Carol Drinkwater played Helen from 1978 to 1980. She left the series to pursue other acting opportunities.

* Lynda Bellingham took over the role of Helen from 1981 to 1990.

It's important to note that Carol Drinkwater did not stop playing Helen Herriot due to any personal conflict or drama. It was a natural progression for her to move on to other projects.

There's no evidence to suggest any tension between Drinkwater and the producers of the show, and she has gone on to have a successful career in acting and writing.