There are surprises in store when the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special 2025 airs on 5, not least the news that Siegfried’s former love interest Dorothy is back.

Dorothy, played by Maimie McCoy, is the glamorous friend of Mrs Hall (Anna Madeley).

Fans last saw her in the Christmas episode of series one, when she was flirted with awkwardly by Siegfried (Samuel West), romancing her with the observation that mistletoe is a “terrible parasite”.

Dorothy’s return is controversial and might prove to be unpopular among fans adamant that Siegfried and Mrs Audrey Hall will, sooner or later, get together.

Mrs Pumphrey (Patricia Hodge), Siegfried (Samuel West), Mrs Audrey Hall (Anna Madeley), Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton, in pyjamas), Charlotte Beauvoir (Gaia Wise) and Tristan Farnon (Callum Woodhouse).

placeholder image — Mrs Pumphrey (Patricia Hodge), Siegfried (Samuel West), Mrs Audrey Hall (Anna Madeley), Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton, in pyjamas), Charlotte Beauvoir (Gaia Wise) and Tristan Farnon (Callum Woodhouse).

“I hadn't thought about that bit,” said Anna Madeley, when she joined Nicholas Ralph and Callum Woodhouse for a cast festive episode interview. “In terms of having Maimie back, it was brilliant because she's wonderful. She's been off in Van der Valk and things.

“And I think Mrs Hall's so excited about Christmas, she just leans into the fun and excitement of, ‘this could be good for everybody’, so we'll see where that takes them.”

However, Callum, who plays Tristan, and Nicholas, who plays James Herriot, agreed that social media might “explode” at the storyline.

This year’s episode - called Comfort and Joy - sees James taking on the Darrowby Nativity, scenes which gave the opportunity for young newcomers to shine, including Jimmy, played by Thomas Riches, and Rosie, played by three-year-old Isabella Ward, from Halifax.

Isabella Ward as Rosie and Rachel Shenton as Helen.

Isabella’s mum, Jodie Ward, said: "All the children had so much fun dressing up for a nativity, even though it was a hot summer’s day outside.

“Isabella loved the whole experience and didn't want it to end.”

Getting into the Christmas spirit can be difficult in June. Callum said: “I think Nick might be with me that it's very, very difficult doing the cold, wintery scenes in four or five layers of thick tweed and crombies and things, when acting in 27 degrees June heat.”

Nicholas agreed and added: “The place is decorated incredibly and then you're singing Christmas carols or just having some fun.”

There will be another chance to see Samuel West as Siegfried in action at the piano in the All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special 2025.

The cast was joined in series six, by Gaia Wise, who looks uncannily like her mother, Emma Thompson. Gaia plays Charlotte Beauvoir, who has been busy capturing Tristan’s heart, and she features prominently in the Christmas episode.

Callum said: “It weirdly is like occasional flashes where you're like, oh gosh, that's Emma.”

He added: “She slotted into the family pretty immediately and amazingly.”

There was much comfort and joy also in the return of Helen Herriot actor Rachel Shenton, whose maternity leave meant that she was absent for the latter part of series six, although remarkably, she made it back for the filming of the Christmas Special in June, with her new baby in tow.

“We missed her, so much so,” said Nicholas. “And also what a trouper.

“We also did another part of publicity at the end of filming this year where we watched back episodes and scenes, series one and two, all of us in different pairs. I was with Rach, and it was so sweet. We were like, wow, we have grown up a bit.”

The All Creatures Great and Small Christmas Special is on Christmas Eve at 9pm on 5 and My5.