This year's All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special marks the "first peacetime festive season" for the people of Darrowby and beyond.
But when Helen is struck down with the lurgy, it falls to James to ensure the Darrowby Nativity play is a roaring success – with Nicholas Ralph describing filming the scenes as "joyful carnage".
"Director Andy Hay just let a camera roll while the kids improvised," he said. "Then we put the animals in, and that just added to the chaos."
Ralph added that James is immediately on the back foot after promising Helen he'd take over "the writing and directing and producing".
"When I walked into the room there was absolute chaos going on," he said, "so there was no acting required, really."
Elsewhere, Siegfried pays another visit to Mrs Stokes's farm to take a look at her beloved – and very cheeky – goat, Hilda. Mrs Hall is determined to win the Drovers' darts competition and take home a turkey, which are in short supply, while Tristan and his new beau Charlotte grow closer.
And an "old friend" also turns up, surprising both Mrs Hall and Siegfried – and leaving Siegfried with "an important decision to make".
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All Creatures Great and Small star says Rachel Shenton's return for Christmas special was uncertainAll Creatures Great and Small favourite Siegfried given some needed Christmas advice in exclusive first-look clipAs ever, the main cast have all returned for the festivities, plus some additional faces to keep them on their toes.
Find a full rundown of the Christmas special cast below.
The cast of the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special is made up of the following:
Nicholas Ralph as James HerriotRachel Shenton as Helen AldersonSamuel West as Siegfried FarnonCallum Woodhouse as Tristan FarnonAnna Madeley as Mrs Audrey HallGaia Wise plays Charlotte BeauvoirPatricia Hodge as Mrs PumphreyMollie Winnard as MaggieThomas Riches as Jimmy Herriot Isabella Ward as Rosie Herriot Susan Hilton as Mrs StokesMaimie McCoy as DorothyFor more information about who the cast play and what else they've starred in, read on.
Nicholas Ralph plays James Herriot
Who is James Herriot? The iconic young Yorkshire vet, played by Christopher Timothy in the original 1970s television series. Working in rural Yorkshire in the 1930s and '40s, James struggled at first to adapt, but soon found himself won over by both the community and the animals he works with. At the beginning of season 5, James was away from his wife and son Jimmy, who was born in the Christmas special, at an RAF training base. But he returned home after being ruled unfit to serve due to contracting a bacterial disease and is now back working as a vet full-time
Where have I seen Nicholas Ralph before? The Scottish actor makes his television debut in All Creatures Great and Small. He's previously performed at a variety of theatres in Scotland, in plays including Captain Amazing, Interference and Cinderella.
Rachel Shenton plays Helen Alderson
Who is Helen Alderson? Helen is a local farmer's daughter with a positive can-do attitude. She helped raise her little sister Jenny, who is currently training to be a nurse in London, after the death of their mother. In season 1, she had a longstanding romance with landowner Hugh, but later broke things off to embark on a relationship with James. The couple married in the season 3 premiere and in the 2023 festive episode, Helen gave birth to a baby boy, Jimmy. They also now have a daughter together called Rosie.
Where have I seen Rachel Shenton before? Two years ago, Shenton notably won an Oscar for Best Live Action short film, for The Silent Child. She's otherwise known for playing Anne "Mitzeee" Minniver in Hollyoaks, Joanne Scott in White Gold and Courtney in Waterloo Road. She has also starred in 5 dramas For Her Sins wand The Rumour.
Samuel West plays Siegfried Farnon
Who is Siegfried Farnon? A wealthy and capricious veterinary surgeon who – reluctantly – hired James Herriot to become his assistant. Siegfried is also the proprietor of Skeldale House and its veterinary practice. He is a widower, and he also raised his younger brother Tristan after the death of their parents, who he loves dearly, but regularly locks horns with – however they have taken steps to bond more in recent seasons.
Where have I seen Samuel West before? The actor is no stranger to appearing in period dramas, having previously starred in the likes of Mr Selfridge (as Frank Edwards), On Chesil Beach and the Oscar-winning film Darkest Hour (as Sir Anthony Eden). His other credits also include The Crown (as Anthony Blunt), and the film Howards End. Just this year, he has also starred in The Midwich Cuckoos and Slow Horses.
Callum Woodhouse plays Tristan Farnon
Who is Tristan Farnon? Siegfried's younger brother – and fellow vet – has only just returned from the front line, where he witnessed many deaths, including his best friend's. It's left a deep mark on him. But he's now in a new relationship, and while it isn't a cure-all, Charlotte's presence certainly helps.
What have I seen Callum Woodhouse in before? Prior to All Creatures, he was best known for another period drama, ITV's The Durrells.
Anna Madeley plays Mrs Hall
Who is Mrs Hall? The housekeeper of Skeldale House. Mrs Hall is a force to be reckoned with – often putting her employer in his place – but she is kind and loving at heart, and usually knows what's best. She previously left an abusive relationship and has a grown-up son called Edward, who nearly died while serving in the military. Mrs Hall previously enjoyed a very sweet romance with a man called Gerald, but he left Darrowby to care for his sick sister. At the beginning of season 6, she was living in Sunderland with her son, but she's now back at Skeldale full-time. While Siegfried didn't show it at first, he was thrilled to welcome her back.
Where have I seen Anna Madeley before? The actress has previously starred opposite David Tennant in the acclaimed Deadwater Fell (as Kate), while also appearing in Patrick Melrose (as Cousin Mary), Silent Witness, The Crown (as Clarissa Eden), Mr Selfridge (as Miss Ravillious), Utopia (as Anya), Anatomy of a Scandal (as Ellie Frisk) and Secret Invasion.
Gaia Wise plays Charlotte Beauvoir
Who is Charlotte Beauvoir? Charlotte, who hails from an aristocratic family, met Tristan in season 6 when he came to take a look at her horse. The pair hit it off instantly, and their relationship has been going from strength to strength ever since.
What else has Gaia Wise been in? Her credits include A Walk in the Woods, Dead of Winter, The Chelsea Detective and Silent Witness.
Patricia Hodge plays Mrs Pumphrey
Who is Mrs Pumphrey? A wealthy widow whose best friend is a Pekingese called Tricki Woo. She used to live in a mansion, but she donated it to the war effort.
Where have I seen Patricia Hodge before? She's best known for Miranda. Other credits include Holding the Fort and Rumpole of the Bailey.
Mollie Winnard plays Maggie
Who is Maggie? The local barmaid who shared a brief romance with Tristan, but they are now firmly friends. Her partner and the father of her child was killed during the war.
Where have I seen Mollie Winnard before? You might know her from Coronation Street and Happy Valley.
Additional All Creatures Great and Small Christmas cast includes:
Thomas Riches as Jimmy Herriot - Helen and James's son. Isabella Ward as Rosie Herriot - Helen and James's daughter. Susan Hilton (Coronation Street) as Mrs Stokes - her goat Hilda is making mischief in the Christmas special. Maimie McCoy (Van der Valk, The Couple Next Door) as Dorothy - an old flame of Siegfried's and friend of Mrs Hall's.All Creatures Great and Small season 6 airs on Thursdays on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon.
If you're looking for something else to watch, visit our TV Guide or take a look at the rest of our Drama coverage. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
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