This year’s Christmas special of All Creatures Great and Small is shaping up to be extra special for two main reasons. It’s the first Christmas after the war, and Rachel Shenton is returning as Helen after missing part of season six.
We’d heard rumors she was coming back,” Callum Woodhouse explained. “People were talking about it, but nothing was certain. You never really know if these things will actually happen.”
We were lucky enough to have her with us for about a week, and it was a wonderful time. Everyone got to meet the baby, who is just lovely! We also had some nice family dinners with Patricia and Gaia joining us, making it feel like one big family gathering. It was a really great week overall.
Anna Madeley admitted it was a big request to ask Shenton to return to work so soon after giving birth. However, they had proactively filmed a few scenes at the beginning of the series, anticipating this possibility.
We were just checking in to see how things were going. We really missed her while she was away, so it was wonderful to have her return.
But what awaits them all in the festive episode? And when can you watch it?
Here’s a complete guide to this year’s All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 release date: When will it air?
This year’s festive special will air on Wednesday 24th December at 9pm on 5.
On the same day, at 8pm, viewers can also enjoy “All Creatures Great & Small: Behind the Scenes,” a documentary that takes you onto the set of the TV series and shares how it’s made.
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 cast: Who’s returning?
The confirmed returning cast of the special 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
- Gaia Wise as Charlotte Beauvoir
- Thomas Riches as Jimmy Herriot
- Isabella Ward as Rosie Herriot
- Patricia Hodge as Mrs Pumphrey
- Mollie Winnard as Maggie
- Susan Hilton as Mrs Stokes
All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special 2025 plot: What will happen?
The story begins at Christmas 1945, as the town of Darrowby gets ready to celebrate its first Christmas after the war.
When Helen falls ill, James takes on the task of organizing the village Nativity play. However, he struggles to balance rehearsals with his work as a vet, and things get even more complicated when there’s uncertainty about whether Tricki, his patient, will become a father.
“Siegfried returns to Mrs Stokes’ Farm, where Hilda the goat is causing trouble again.
In Skeldale, Mrs. Hall gets everyone excited for the annual Drovers’ darts tournament. Meanwhile, Tristan is rushing to get the Christmas tree decorated, and Charlotte is lending a hand.
With old friends reconnecting and meaningful talks happening, the holidays fill us with laughter, chances to think about the past, and maybe a few unexpected moments.
Is there a trailer for the All Creatures Great and Small 2025 Christmas special?
Not yet. As soon as it arrives, we’ll pop it right here.
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As a huge fan of All Creatures Great and Small, I’m thrilled to share that a brand new festive special is coming to Channel 5 on Wednesday, December 24th at 9pm. Mark your calendars – it’s going to be a cozy night in with the Darrowby crew!
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Authors
I’m a big fan of Abby Robinson’s work! She’s the Drama Editor at TopMob, and she really knows her stuff when it comes to TV dramas and comedies. Before that, she was a TV writer at Digital Spy and created content for Mumsnet, so she’s got a lot of experience. Plus, she’s clearly dedicated to her craft, holding both a degree and a postgraduate diploma in English Studies.
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2025-12-15 13:35