The beloved residents of Skeldale House have returned for a sixth season, and the journey through 1945 in the Yorkshire Dales is reaching its emotional conclusion. The All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 Episode 7, titled “Comfort and Joy,” aired on PBS in the US on February 22, 2026 . This finale brings the holiday season to Darrowby, wrapping up storylines with a mix of veterinary emergencies, personal revelations, and festive community spirit . Here is a detailed look at the cast and characters who bring this heartwarming episode to life.
The Core Cast of Skeldale House
The heart of the series rests on the shoulders of its main cast, who have portrayed these iconic characters with warmth and depth for six seasons. In the finale, each faces personal challenges that test their bonds.
Nicholas Ralph as James Herriot
Nicholas Ralph continues to embody the gentle and dedicated veterinarian James Herriot. In “Comfort and Joy,” James finds himself juggling multiple responsibilities. With his wife Helen unwell, he takes over her duties organizing the village Nativity play while still managing his veterinary calls . This situation highlights James’s dependable nature and his deep commitment to both his family and his community. Ralph has portrayed James’s journey from a nervous newcomer to a confident, beloved member of Darrowby since the series began .
Rachel Shenton as Helen Herriot
Rachel Shenton plays Helen, James’s wife and the steady anchor of the Herriot family. In the Season 6 finale, Helen is “full of the cold” and confined to bed rest, much to her frustration . She worries about the Christmas preparations, including icing their son Jimmy’s cake and finishing the wrapping, but James insists she stay in bed to recover . Helen’s role in the episode, though physically limited, is central to the emotional core of the family as they prepare for the holidays.
Samuel West as Siegfried Farnon
Samuel West delivers another layered performance as Siegfried Farnon, the volatile yet caring head of the Skeldale veterinary practice. The finale brings two major storylines for his character. First, he has “another run-in with Hilda the goat,” a cantankerous animal that has been a source of comic trouble throughout the season . This encounter, however, proves more serious than previous ones .
“Easy, Hilda! Easy. See, that’s why I put the brandy in. She don’t fight then,” Mrs. Stokes quips during one of Siegfried’s struggles with the goat .
Secondly, and more significantly, “an old flame returns to Darrowby,” stirring up memories and potentially complicating life at Skeldale House, especially given his evolving relationship with Mrs. Hall .
Anna Madeley as Mrs. Audrey Hall
Anna Madeley plays Mrs. Hall, the indispensable housekeeper who is the true heart of Skeldale House. Throughout Season 6, her relationship with Siegfried has deepened . In the lead-up to the finale, she is shown preparing for Christmas, even receiving a request from the pub owner Maggie to pick up a Christmas tree, a task she had cleverly gotten Siegfried to agree to . Her presence is the calming force in the household, and viewers are eager to see how she reacts to the arrival of Siegfried’s old flame.
Callum Woodhouse as Tristan Farnon
Callum Woodhouse portrays Tristan Farnon, Siegfried’s younger brother, who has matured significantly since returning from his service in the war . In the finale, Tristan “realises he’s forgotten something important,” a revelation that comes at a busy time for everyone . This moment shows that despite his growth, Tristan still has lessons to learn. His journey to correct his mistake ties into the episode’s themes of family and connection during the Christmas season. Tristan’s romance with Charlotte, which blossomed in earlier episodes, also adds a layer to his character’s story as he brings her home for the holidays .
Recurring Cast and Guest Appearances
The world of Darrowby is filled with colorful residents who return for the finale, adding depth and charm to the story.
The Darrowby Community
- Mrs. Pumphrey (Patricia Hodge): The eccentric and wealthy owner of the pampered Pekingese, Tricki-Woo. She phones Skeldale House in the finale, asking for James’s help, which adds to his busy schedule .
- Mrs. Stokes: The farmer who owns Hilda the goat. She shares several scenes with Siegfried, offering sharp commentary on his animal-handling skills. “By heck, I need it with you,” she tells Siegfried while he treats Hilda . She also offers him some personal advice, reminding him that his family won’t be around forever .
- Maggie (Mollie Winnard): The barmaid at the local pub, The Drovers Arms. She is organizing the Christmas Eve darts competition, where the prize is a sought-after turkey, and tasks Siegfried with picking up a Christmas tree for her .
Guest Stars in Episode 7
The official PBS episode page confirms the plot points involving Helen being unwell and Tristan forgetting something important, though it does not list every guest actor for this specific episode . The “old flame” returning to see Siegfried is a new character for the finale, and her arrival is expected to be a major talking point among fans . The cast is rounded out by the various farmers and villagers of Darrowby who bring their animal cases to the vets.
Where to Watch the Finale
All Creatures Great and Small Season 6 Episode 7 airs on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET on MASTERPIECE on PBS . For streaming, the episode will be available on the PBS app and the PBS MASTERPIECE channel on Prime Video shortly after the broadcast . The episode has a runtime of 58 minutes and 58 seconds .
In the United Kingdom, the series airs on Channel 5, though the broadcast schedule typically follows the US premiere by a few months . International viewers in Canada, Australia, and other regions can typically access the show through their local public broadcasting services or streaming platforms that carry MASTERPIECE programming.
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More Seasons on the Way
Fans of the show can look forward to more time in Darrowby. All Creatures Great and Small has been renewed for both a Season 7 and Season 8 . Filming is already underway for the seventh season, ensuring that viewers will have more adventures with the Skeldale House family for years to come. The core cast, including Nicholas Ralph, Samuel West, Anna Madeley, Rachel Shenton, and Callum Woodhouse, are all expected to return .
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