All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special: Release date and latest news
Everything you need to know.
It wouldn't be Christmas without All Creatures Great and Small, the loveliest show on TV, and this year's festive episode is very much reflective of the time the characters are living in.
"It's a very different Christmas this year in Skeldale House," said executive producer Debbie O’Malley.
"Wartime shortages mean they're trying to scrabble together as many festive trappings as they can for Jimmy's sake, but when the real cost of war hits one of their own, our little family rediscovers the true meaning of Christmas and how the kindness of others can help us through the darkest times."
Speaking about the messaging behind this year's special, Samuel West said: "It's not about what's on the table for Christmas lunch, it's who is seated round that table. That's exactly what it is.
"We might not have enough butter for the mashed potatoes, it was always the hardest thing to get hold of [during the war], but we don't comment on it as a loss.
"My first reaction is, 'Mrs Hall, you've outdone yourself.' And we're going to make the best of it. That's what gets us through isn't it, really? It's what gets us through in Skeldale. It’s not what’s on the table, it's who's around it."
But what exactly is in store for Skeldale House this Christmas? And when can you watch the episode?
Read on for everything you need to know about the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special release date: When will it air?
The All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special will air on Monday 23rd December at 9pm.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special cast: Who's returning?
The returning cast is as follows:
- Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot
- Rachel Shenton as Helen Alderson
- Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon
- Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon
- Anna Madeley as Mrs Audrey Hall
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special plot: What's it about?
The official synopsis for this year's Christmas special is as follows: "Beloved vet James Herriot is balancing the excitement of their son Jimmy’s first birthday with the festive season alongside Helen, while the capricious Siegfried Farnon is guiding Tristan in the right direction as he embarks on an important wartime mission.
"Meanwhile, Mrs Hall is busy preparing for Christmas when she is shaken by unexpected news."
The HMS Repulse, the ship her son Edward was serving on, is sunk by Japanese enemy fire off the east coast of Malaysia, and it's eventually reported that half the crew have been lost, leaving Skeldale's trusty housekeeper fearing the worst.
"It's a horrendous time for Mrs Hall," said Anna Madeley. "It's every mother’s worst nightmare... and this happens right before Christmas, when Jimmy's birthday is also coming up – a time when you desperately want good news and for everyone to be together.
"But as the story progresses, it becomes harder and harder to hold on to that strategy. She even seeks out information on her own, meeting a young lad named Paddy, who had been with Edward on the ship.
"It's a difficult journey for her, and even though she tries to stay strong, that uncertainty starts to take its toll."
Initially, Mrs Hall "copes by staying busy and focusing on what little she does know", added Madeley. "She tells herself, 'Let's deal with the facts we have.'"
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special trailer: Is it available to watch?
Not yet - watch this space for updates.
The All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special will air on Monday 23rd December at 9pm.
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Authors
Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.
