Channel 5's cherished drama, All Creatures Great and Small, is making a festive comeback this week with two special episodes for viewers to enjoy. The return includes a behind-the-scenes documentary and a brand new Christmas special, set to air on Christmas Eve.
Festive Schedule and Storyline Details
The festive offering begins with All Creatures Great and Small Behind the Magic on Christmas Eve (24th December) at 8pm. This will be followed directly by the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special at 9pm.
The narrative of the Christmas special is set in December 1945, marking the first peacetime Christmas after the Second World War. With Helen Herriot feeling unwell, her husband James takes charge of the Darrowby nativity play. Meanwhile, Siegfried Farnon revisits Mrs Stokes' farm to check on a troublesome goat named Hilda.
With Christmas dinner ingredients scarce, housekeeper Mrs Hall aims to win a fresh turkey by entering the Drovers' darts competition. In a separate festive mishap, Tristan Farnon is reminded by Maggie that he promised to provide the Christmas tree, a task he had completely forgotten.
Cast Reveal Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
In the special, Tristan receives help from Charlotte, and their trip to the Christmas Tree Farm leads to a heartfelt conversation where they confess their true feelings. Actor Callum Woodhouse, who plays Tristan, shared the less-than-festive reality of filming the wintry episode.
"It was absolutely boiling," Woodhouse revealed. "It's always a nightmare because you have to make it look like it's cold when you're in a big coat and scarf and it's 25 degrees. Those are my least favourite days." He described his character as being "in a bit of a flap" trying to fulfil forgotten promises.
Rachel Shenton, portraying Helen Herriot, discussed her character's role. "Helen is a bit poorly, so she spends a lot of it in bed. James steps up, which is really nice. It shows how strong they are as a couple," she said. Shenton also expressed her delight in filming the chaotic nativity scene, describing it as featuring "kids, animals, tea towels on heads – all the chaos you want."
An Exclusive Look Behind the Magic
The accompanying documentary, All Creatures Great and Small Behind the Magic, will see presenter Graeme Hall explore the Yorkshire Dales. He will meet the cast, both human and animal, tour the Grassington set (which doubles as Darrowby), and even take on a small acting role alongside Nicholas Ralph (James Herriot).
The programme promises to uncover production secrets, from what's really in the medicine bottles to how complex animal scenes are filmed. It will also feature the cast reflecting on six years of making Channel 5's most popular drama series.
This double bill provides the perfect festive insight into the making of one of Britain's best-loved television shows, revealing the hard work and summer heat that goes into creating a perfect 1940s Christmas.
