The residents of Skeldale House are getting the best Christmas gift this year—the return of familiar faces and the warmth of the holiday season. The new preview for All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 Episode 7, titled “Comfort and Joy,” shows Helen Herriot (Rachel Shenton) back in Darrowby as the village prepares to celebrate the first Christmas after World War II ends.
The episode, which has already aired in the UK on Channel 5 and will arrive on PBS in the United States in early 2026, brings emotional reunions, festive chaos, and the kind of community spirit that has made this series a favorite among viewers worldwide.
Helen’s Return After Real-Life Maternity Leave
Rachel Shenton, who plays Helen, was absent from several episodes of Season 6 after giving birth to her son Orson in April 2025. The show explained her time away by having Helen travel to London to help her younger sister Jenny settle into nursing college. Now, just in time for the Christmas special, Helen makes her way back to the Yorkshire Dales.
The cast recently opened up about how special it was to have Shenton return to the set. Anna Madeley, who plays Mrs. Hall, shared her feelings about the reunion.
“It was gorgeous. We missed her so much.”
Nicholas Ralph, who plays Helen’s on-screen husband James Herriot, added his appreciation for his co-star’s dedication.
“And also, what a trooper. Hats off to her. That’s a thing coming back so soon, but she was brilliant and it was wonderful to see her.”
The timing of the filming made the reunion even more meaningful. The Christmas special was shot in July 2025, and the cast wasn’t sure if Shenton would be able to participate so soon after having her baby. Callum Woodhouse, who plays Tristan Farnon, agreed with his co-stars about how nice it was to have everyone back together.
Shenton reportedly spent time on set in her pajamas between takes, adding a cozy, family atmosphere to the filming that matches the warmth viewers see on screen .
What Happens in “Comfort and Joy”
The episode takes place during Christmas 1945, marking the first peacetime holiday after the war ends. The official synopsis reveals several storylines that will keep the Darrowby community busy.
Helen returns home but isn’t feeling well, which puts James in charge of organizing the village Nativity play. This is no small task in a close-knit community where everyone has opinions about how things should be done. James must balance his veterinary duties with herding the local residents into putting on a show that captures the spirit of the season .
Meanwhile, Siegfried Farnon (Samuel West) has another run-in with Hilda the goat at Mrs. Stokes’ farm. Anyone who remembers Siegfried’s previous encounters with this particular goat knows this storyline promises both chaos and comedy .
The Skeldale House residents also get competitive. Mrs. Hall rallies the team for the Drovers’ darts competition, with the prize being a turkey for Christmas dinner. This subplot adds a layer of friendly rivalry and community bonding that fans of the show have come to love .
Tristan scrambles to sort out the Christmas tree situation, getting help from Charlotte (Gaia Wise) , his romantic interest. Their relationship has been developing throughout the season, and the holiday setting provides opportunities for more connection .
Another Surprise Return: Dorothy Arrives in Darrowby
Helen isn’t the only familiar face coming back to the village. Dorothy (Maimie McCoy) , Mrs. Hall’s old friend who had a brief romance with Siegfried in Season 1, makes a surprise return. She was last seen moving to Malta, but the wartime bombing there may have brought her back to Yorkshire .
Anna Madeley explained what this return means for her character.
“I think for Mrs Hall having her oldest, dearest friend rock 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, and obviously she’s been in Malta, which was really heavily bombed.”
Madeley continued by sharing how meaningful this reunion could be.
“So all of that and knowing that suddenly, having your friends back home and that their family’s back here and that that’s going to be a new, long-term stay is really lovely and exciting—and a relief, I imagine.”
Dorothy’s return could open up new possibilities for Siegfried as well. Their brief romance in Season 1 was cut short when she moved away, but with her back in Darrowby, there might be a second chance for the couple .
The Spirit of Post-War Christmas
“Comfort and Joy” captures a very specific moment in history—the first Christmas after the war ends. For the people of Darrowby, this holiday carries extra meaning. Families who were separated during the war can finally be together again. The shadow of conflict that hung over previous seasons starts to lift.
The episode weaves together humor, heartfelt moments, and the simple joys of community celebration. From James struggling to direct a Nativity play to the darts team competing for their holiday turkey, every storyline emphasizes coming together after difficult times .
Even Tricki-Woo, the beloved Pekingese dog, gets attention as his future as a father comes into question, adding another layer of gentle humor to the proceedings .
When and Where to Watch
For viewers in the United Kingdom, “Comfort and Joy” aired on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at 8:00 PM on Channel 5 . The episode is available for streaming on demand through Channel 5’s streaming services.
For audiences in the United States, the episode will premiere on PBS on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9/8c as part of the regular Season 6 broadcast schedule . It will also be available for streaming on the PBS app and PBS Masterpiece on Prime Video.
Viewers in Canada can watch on CBC Gem, while audiences in Australia and New Zealand typically get access through the BBC First channel and streaming platforms, though specific airdates for these regions following the UK broadcast are expected in early 2026.
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The Cast’s Christmas Spirit
The cast members have shared their excitement about this special episode. Playing characters who are celebrating the first peacetime Christmas in years clearly resonated with everyone involved.
Anna Madeley described Mrs. Hall’s approach to the holiday.
“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.”
The behind-the-scenes atmosphere seems to match the on-screen warmth. With Rachel Shenton back on set with her new baby, and the whole cast reuniting for the holiday special, the genuine affection between the actors translates beautifully to what viewers see at home.
For fans who have followed the series since its 2020 debut, “Comfort and Joy” delivers exactly what the title promises—a chance to spend time with beloved characters during the most wonderful time of the year, complete with the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales, the charming chaos of Skeldale House, and the reminder that community and family matter most of all.
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