ALL Creatures Great and Small fans broke down in tears during the period drama’s emotional Christmas special.
The rebooted cosy vet drama made its debut on Channel 5 in 2020 – and has gained a large fanbase.
In its latest Christmas special, beloved character Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley) found herself in a heartbreaking situation.
Skeldale House’s residents learned how the HMS Repulse had been sunk by Japanese fire off the coast of Malaysia.
Housekeeper Mrs Hall’s son, Edward, is among the crew serving on the Repulse.
But with approximately half of the personnel lost, his fate was left unknown.
Upon hearing the news, Mrs Hall attempted to distract herself by focusing on work.
Of course, distress and worry soon weighed upon her.
She checked a newspaper for Edward’s name among confirmed casualties – and it wasn’t there.
Despite the brief reprieve, Mrs Hall’s fears for her son soon returned.
She received a letter from Edward, but it was dated days before the attack – meaning his status was still unclear.
At the same time, a fox that Siegfried (Samuel West) treated came to symbolise Edward.
Siegfried suggested putting the fox down was the kindest course of action, after it sustained a dog bite.
To which Mrs Hall replied: “No, you can’t do that. And why should you get to decide?!
“He’s one of God’s creatures. Why should you get to decide if he lives or dies, whose life’s important enough to be saved?
“That’s not right, that’s not fair. You shouldn’t….”
Brighter news soon came around the corner – with the fox making it through the night and Mrs Hall having a long distance phone call waiting for her.
Revealed to have survived, Edward was injured although recuperating in a Singaporean hospital.
Mother and son wished each other a Happy Christmas, with Mrs Hall’s emotion clear to see.
Taking to social media, viewers soon shared their appreciation for the episode.
One wrote: “That was a real treat! Oh Mrs Hall, my heart was in my mouth….
“Beautifully scripted and wonderfully acted.
“Always sad when the credits go up as it’s such a wait to see more. Love this programme.”
Another added: “There you go, wrecking my heart again! Cannot wait to see the new season.”
All Creatures Great and Small follows the life and work of veterinary surgeons, James Herriot and Sigfried Farnon, set to the stunning back drop of the Dales.
The show is filmed in the Yorkshire Dales, which is where All Creatures Great and Small is also set.
Some of the show was also shot in Arncliffe, the village used for some aspects of Skeldale House, and Yockenthwaite Farm.
A local pub called The Devonshire was used as the exterior for the fictional inn, The Drovers Arms.
A third chimed in: “Made me cry! Brilliant!”
While a fourth gushed: “In tears! What a wonderful episode! Loved it!
“Merry Christmas to you all!”
All Creatures Great and Small airs on Channel 5.
