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All Creatures Great and Small is set to return to Channel 5 with its festive special after a devastating series six finale, leaving fans thrilled to witness the cherished cast's comeback. The Christmas episode unfolds during the inaugural peacetime festive season following the conflict, with everyone determined to create the most memorable Christmas celebration possible.

Nevertheless, challenges lie ahead as James Herriot (portrayed by Nicholas Ralph) finds himself saddled with the demanding responsibility of overseeing Darrowby's nativity production. Additionally, he's battling to confess to Mrs Pumphrey (Patricia Hodge) his concerns that Tricki's paternal aspirations may have reached their conclusion.

The yuletide special, which features Siegfried star Sam West's real children, witnesses Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) participating in the darts tournament. The star previously discussed with Reach publications and other media outlets some of the most memorable scenes from shooting the special instalment.

She additionally revealed details about the comeback of a crucial character, Dorothy (Maimie McCoy), who hasn't appeared since the programme's inaugural series. Dorothy was presented as Mrs Hall's companion who captured Siegfried Farnon's interest, resulting in some uncomfortable yet endearing exchanges.

Speaking about McCoy's return, actress Madeley commented: "It was brilliant because she is wonderful and we hadn't seen her, she has been off doing Van der Valk and things. It was amazing having her come back because she's gorgeous and it was an echo in the show because there was that buzz of 'How have you been?'.

"For Mrs Hall having her oldest, dearest friend rocking up at the back door out of the blue is just extraordinary. You always think about how hard it was not having communication with one another, having to be patient and wait to find out how people are.

"Obviously she has been in Malta which was really heavily bombed so all of that and suddenly having your friends back home and their families back here, and it's going to be a long term stay, is really lovely and exciting and a relief I imagine.

"It's a lovely thing to think forwards of having your mate nearby, those old friends are special aren't they, they are precious."

McCoy wasn't the sole star fortunate enough to make a comeback, as Rachel Shenton returned to shoot several sequences as Helen Herriot after welcoming her first child, Orson, in April.

Regarding Shenton's return for the special, Madeley remarked: "It was gorgeous, we really missed her. Hats off to her, coming back [that soon], but she was brilliant and it was wonderful to see her."

Her on-screen spouse Ralph chimed in: "What a trouper."

In other parts of the Christmas special, Siegfried returns to Mrs Stokes' (Susan Hilton) farm to check on Hilda the goat, who's been stirring up more mischief and, as usual, gives Siegfried a hard time. With Christmas dinner in scarce supply, Mrs Hall is eager to participate in the darts competition and bag the fresh turkey, which is the grand prize.

Maggie (Mollie Winnard) reminds Tristan (Callum Woodhouse) of his duty to provide the Christmas tree, leading Tristan and Charlotte Beauvoir (Gaia Wise) to visit the Christmas Tree Farm where Charlotte discovers what's been troubling Tristan. The duo open up and confess their genuine feelings.

The All Creatures Great and Small Christmas special airs on Channel 5 on Christmas Eve at 9pm