The third season of All Creatures Great and Small came to an emotional end this past October and with it, speculation about what will unfold in season 4.

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Based on author James Herriot’s collection of stories, the period drama is not only returning for a fourth season, but is also confirmed for two more Christmas specials – great news for fans all round.

While we're all well and truly in Christmas TV schedule mode, fans will be pleased to learn that we now have a confirmed release date for the upcoming festive episode.

Read on to find out when you can expect the Christmas special of All Creatures Great and Small to land on our screens, as well as details about the anticipated episode.

Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton in All Creatures Great and Small
Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot and Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson in All Creatures Great and Small. Channel 5

All Creatures Great and Small 2022 Christmas special release date

Fans of the Yorkshire Dales-set series were left with high emotions after season 3 drew to a close earlier this year in October.

Well, the series is returning to our screens for a third festive special and the release date has now been confirmed. All Creatures Great and Small will air its Christmas episode on Friday 23rd December at 9pm on Channel 5.

The episode will be titled 'Merry Bloody Christmas'.

All Creatures Great and Small 2022 Christmas special plot

At the time of writing, plot details for the 2022 Christmas special are being kept under wraps.

The Channel 5 series follows young country vet James (Nicholas Ralph) in the Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s. While we may not know exactly what the looming festivities have in store for James, we do know that season 3 was one of many changes at Skeldale House.

So, it's likely we can expect much of the same sentiment in this one-off special.

James and Helen got married at the start of the season, while the beginning of the Second World War loomed throughout the entirety of the six episodes.

James also stepped up at the veterinary practice in his new role as Siegfried's partner – something Siegfried had to reconcile with.

Will the Christmas special be all joyous and lighthearted, or will it mark another major shift in the development of these beloved characters?

All Creatures Great and Small 2022 Christmas special cast

All of the main cast are expected to reprise their roles in the festive episode, which will be set during the Christmas of 1939, marking some of the first few months of the Second World War.

Here's a full list of the cast we would expect to return for the All Creatures Great and Small 2022 Christmas special:

  • Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot
  • Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon
  • Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson
  • Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon
  • Anna Madeley as Mrs Audrey Hall
  • Imogen Clawson as Jenny Alderson
  • Tony Pitts as Richard Alderson
  • Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey

You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small book from Amazon.

The All Creatures Great and Small 2022 Christmas special will air on Channel 5 on Friday 23rd December at 9pm. Seasons 1 to 3 are available to watch now on My5.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to see what's on tonight.

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Authors

Morgan Cormack
Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering everything drama-related on TV and streaming. She previously worked at Stylist as an Entertainment Writer. Alongside her past work in content marketing and as a freelancer, she possesses a BA in English Literature.

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