fans were in tears during Monday night’s episode (December 23). It comes after the show’s beloved character Mrs Hall (played by Anna Madeley) got caught up in a heartbreaking situation after she received some devastating news.
Skeldale House’s residents learned how the HMS Repulse had been sunk by Japanese fire off the coast of Malaysia. Housekeeper Mrs Hall’s son, Edward, is among the crew serving on the Repulse but with approximately half of the personnel lost, his fate was left unknown.
She attempted to distract herself through work as Mrs Hall was yet to receive any updates on her son. As time passed, her distress became evident and fears about her son soon returned.
Mrs Hall checked a newspaper for Edward’s name among confirmed casualties – and it wasn’t there.
She later received a letter from Edward, however, it was dated days before the attack so his status remained unclear.
All Creatures Great and Small star Mrs Hall received some devastating news (Image: CHANNEL 5)
The problems did not stop there as a fox that Siegfried (played by Samuel West) brought into the veterinary to be treated, but it came to symbolise Edward.
Siegfried suggested putting the fox down was the kindest course of action, after it sustained a dog bite.
To which Mrs Hall replied: “No, you can’t do that. And why should you get to decide?!
“He’s one of God’s creatures. Why should you get to decide if he lives or dies, whose life’s important enough to be saved? That’s not right, that’s not fair. You shouldn’t….”
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Channel 5 launched the rebooted version in 2020 (Image: CHANNEL 5)
Later in the show, it was revealed the fox made it through the night with Mrs Hall receiving a long distance phone call.
Edward had survived the atttack and although injured he was recuperating in a Singapore hospital.
Viewers rushed to X, formerly Twitter, and shared their relief following the news as one person said: “There you go, wrecking my heart again! Cannot wait to see the new season.”
“That was a real treat! Oh Mrs Hall, my heart was in my mouth…. Beautifully scripted and wonderfully acted. Always sad when the credits go up as it’s such a wait to see more. Love this programme.”
A third wrote: “Made me cry! Brilliant!”
While a fourth gushed: “In tears! What a wonderful episode! Loved it!”
All Creatures Great and Small airs on Channel 5