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All Creatures Great and Small gets major update on its future - with special bonus for fans of "unforgettable" show

Christmas has come early for fans of the beloved period drama.

A cheerful countryside scene featuring a vintage green convertible stopped on a narrow rural road, surrounded by a large flock of fluffy sheep. Several people in 1930s–1940s–style clothing stand around the car: a woman sits in the driver’s seat with a golden retriever beside her, while a man beside the car gestures animatedly. Another man sits in the back holding a picnic basket, and a different man stands holding a small child. A young boy in front offers an apple to a sheep, while a woman in a floral dress looks on with amusement. Behind them is a stone wall, open fields dotted with cows and sheep, and a sunny, idyllic landscape with trees and blue sky.

5

Published: Thursday, 20 November 2025 at 3:05 pm

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All Creatures Great and Small fans have been given an early Christmas present by 5.

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The broadcaster has confirmed the beloved period drama, which is inspired by James Herriot's books detailing his life as a vet in rural Yorkshire, will be back for seasons 7 and 8, as well as two more Christmas specials.

Greg Barnett, Commissioning Editor at 5, described the series as "the jewel in 5’s drama crown", teasing "many new stories " and "unforgettable adventures ahead for our Skeldale family".

Similarly, Susanne Simpson, Executive Producer for Masterpiece, said that she was "thrilled to bring more seasons of the warmth, hope and humour that make this series so special".

Melissa Gallant and Sharon Moran, joint Executive Producers for Playground, added that they "frequently receive letters from viewers about how the show has brought joy, comfort and relief in challenging times", such is the power of All Creatures Great and Small.

"It's a show which people love to watch and love to make and we can't wait for more adventures in beautiful Yorkshire with our wonderful cast and crew," they continued.

Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon, wearing his military uniform, sat on the steps outside a church

Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon.
ACGAS6 Ep3 Unit Stills 2025-04-11 Playground production for 5 and MASTERPIECE

All Creatures remains 5's most successful drama series to date, drawing in over 14 million individuals across its first five seasons and driving more new users to 5's streaming platform than any other show.

Details about what the new seasons will entail and who's returning will be announced in due course, but we'd expect Nicholas Ralph (James), Rachel Shenton (Helen), Samuel West (Siegfried), Callum Woodhouse (Tristan) and Anna Madeley (Mrs Audrey Hall) to all feature.

The show also welcomes a raft of new guest stars each season, with the last instalment welcoming former Coronation Street stars Lucy-Jo Hudson and Chris Gascoyne, while Dame Emma Thompson's daughter Gaia Wise joined the cast as Charlotte Beauvoir, Tristan's new love interest.

But in the meantime, there's the 2025 Christmas special to enjoy.

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"It’s Christmas 1945, the first peacetime Christmas after the war," reads the official synopsis. "With Helen feeling under the weather, it’s fallen on James to take on the Darrowby Nativity play."

Elsewhere, "Siegfried is back at Mrs Stokes’ Farm to see Hilda the goat, who’s been up to more mischief," while Mrs Hall is determined to win the Drovers' darts competition and take home the top prize: a turkey, which are in short supply due to the war.

The Skeldale housekeeper "wants everyone to practise" to boost their chances, "but an old friend turns up surprising her and Siegfried" – with the vet making "a big decision about his future." Meanwhile, Tristan and Charlotte's relationship continues to go from strength to strength.

And if that's not quite enough to keep you entertained, a special hour-long, behind-the-scenes documentary, All Creatures Great and Small: Behind the Magic, will also be airing this Christmas, featuring all of the regular cast.

"As the cast look back over six years of making 5's most popular drama series, [Dogs Behaving (Very) Badly presenter and professional dog trainer] Graeme [Hall] enjoys becoming one of the family and appreciating all the detail that goes into the making of one of his favourite shows," reads the synopsis.

"This joyful festive treat is the perfect way to find out how the All Creatures magic is really made."

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All Creatures Great and Small seasons 1-6 are available to watch on 5. You can order James Herriot's All Creatures Great and Small from Amazon.

All Creatures Great and Small Complete Series 1 – 6 Box Set arrives on DVD and digital 1 December from Acorn Media International.

Add All Creatures Great and Small to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

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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.

Authors

A head and shoulders shot of Abby Robinson. She is in front of a grey background, looking at the camera and smiling. She wears a black zipped-up jacket with an elaborate gold and maroon design

Abby RobinsonDrama Editor

Abby Robinson is the Drama Editor for Radio Times, covering TV drama and comedy titles. She previously worked at Digital Spy as a TV writer, and as a content writer at Mumsnet. She possesses a postgraduate diploma and a degree in English Studies.

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