All Creatures Great and Small teases tragic update as first-look at Channel 5’s Christmas Special drops

All Creatures Great and Small fans will no doubt be looking forward to the cosy show’s upcoming Christmas Special.

However, the Channel 5 trailer, released this week, hints that it might not be a very happy Christmas for the beloved characters of Skeldale.

In the first-look teaser for the 2024 Christmas episode, it seems fan-favourite character Mrs Hall (played by Anna Madeley) could receive some tragic news.

The period drama, now following the lives of the Yorkshire residents during the Second World War, will see the community pulling together to mark the festive period despite the meagre resources they have.

The trailer shows Hall excitedly proclaiming she’s managed to secure a goose for the residents of the veterinary surgery to tuck into.

However, their joy doesn’t last long when Hall is later informed she has a phone call – and it’s definitely bad news.

The synopsis for the episode reads: “Skeldale House prepares for Christmas – and Jimmy’s first birthday – without the usual festive treats available.

“Mrs Hall has figured out how to deliver the ideal Christmas, but when her world is rocked by a worrying news bulletin, the Skeldale family do their best to support her.

“A young boy arrives at the surgery with an abandoned fox cub and Mrs Hall can’t help feeling a connection with the animal.

“Meanwhile, Tristan is given an important Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) mission involving pigeons.

“Tristan is underwhelmed by the task and Siegfried sends him to Enoch Sykes, a cantankerous pigeon fancier.

“Tristan’s attempt to win over Enoch’s trust doesn’t go to plan.

“Helen and James prepare for Jimmy’s birthday tea at Heston Grange, but Helen has to deal with some family disagreements.

“When the fox needs veterinary help, Siegfried faces a difficult decision as to how best to care for the animal, whilst also looking after Mrs Hall.”

Mrs Hall’s devastating news will concern her son Edward, who is serving in the Navy, Hello! reports.

Actress Madeley has opened up about the troubling update for her character, stating: “It’s a horrendous time for Mrs Hall.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

ITV Britain’s Got Talent star sparks heartbreaking tributes as body found after appealBrendan Cole shares verdict on Chris McCausland win as former Strictly pro slams runner-up couple]John Torode supports ‘excellent’ Gregg Wallace replacement amid BBC MasterChef probe

“It’s every mother’s worst nightmare. She receives the news that Edward’s ship has been struck, and this happens right before Christmas, when Jimmy’s birthday is also coming up – a time when you desperately want good news and for everyone to be together,” the publication reports.

She continued: “I think Mrs Hall copes by staying busy and focusing on what little she does know.

“Initially, she tells herself, ‘Let’s deal with the facts we have’. But as the story progresses, it becomes harder and harder to hold on to that strategy.”

The Christmas Special of the fan-favourite series will air on Monday, December 23.