All Creatures Great And Small Christmas Special Preview

It is nearly time for the All Creatures Great & Small Christmas Special!

Based on author James Herriot’s much-loved collection of stories, a fifth run of the cosy period drama concluded in the UK in October.

Channel 5 has shared a teaser trailer for the upcoming All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special – and it looks as if Mrs Hall is in for an emotionally challenging time:

Who is in the cast?

Nicholas Ralph is back as vet James Herriot, and Samuel West as his mentor Siegfried Farnon. Anna Madeley returns as the matriarch of Skeldale House, Mrs Hall, along with Rachel Shenton as the charming Helen Herriot. Callum Woodhouse is also on board as Tristan, with Tony Pitts and Imogen Clawson as Richard and Jenny Alderson.

What is it about?

Here is a synopsis of what is to come: 

Skeldale House prepares for Christmas – and Jimmy’s first birthday – without the usual festive treats available. Mrs Hall has figured out how to deliver the ideal Christmas, but when her world is rocked by a worrying news bulletin, the Skeldale family do their best to support her. A young boy arrives at the surgery with an abandoned fox cub and Mrs Hall can’t help feeling a connection with the animal.

Meanwhile, Tristan is given an important Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) mission involving pigeons. Tristan is underwhelmed by the task and Siegfried sends him to Enoch Sykes, a cantankerous pigeon fancier. Tristan’s attempt to win over Enoch’s trust doesn’t go to plan.

Helen and James prepare for Jimmy’s birthday tea at Heston Grange, but Helen has to deal with some family disagreements. 

When the fox needs veterinary help, Siegfried faces a difficult decision as to how best to care for the animal, whilst also looking after Mrs Hall.

When’s the release date?

2024’s festive special premieres in the UK at 9pm on Monday, 23rd December on Channel 5 and My5. You can watch series 1-5 on My5 now.

Fans across the pond will have to wait a little longer, as Season 5 doesn’t begin in the US until January – it is set to premiere on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 9/8c, and will also be available to stream on PBS Passport, PBS.org, and the PBS MASTERPIECE Prime Video Channel.