All Creatures Great and Small airs heartbreaking exit after James Herriot's co-stars killed off


Viewers of 'All Creatures Great and Small' were left feeling emotional on Thursday night as they witnessed the beloved character James Herriot, brought to life by actor Nicholas Ralph, return to their screens in a context far removed from the cosy confines of Skeldale and the presence of his wife Helen (played by Rachel Shenton), due to his role in the war as a pilot.

The narrative took an emotional turn when James became sick, consequently rendering him unable to fulfil his duties as a wartime pilot. He found solace and purpose while working on a farm, where he was seen assisting with the birth of a calf.

James' illness also prevented him from attending what would have been his first "active mission", flying to Scotland. Despite being away from the fellow pilots he trained with, tragic news soon reached him.

In a devastating twist, the pilot who took James's place was killed after their plane was targeted by three German aircrafts, and two of his comrades were also killed in the conflict.

The show delivered particularly poignant scenes as an anguished James was informed of the dire events that unfolded. As narrated by his officer: "They were halfway back when three German planes came out of nowhere. Our boys were shot down over the North Sea. The pilot didn't stand a chance," reports the Express.

James Herriott's friends died during the war
James Herriott's friends died during the war -Credit:(Image: Channel 5)

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Grasping the stark reality of the circumstances, James contemplated his own mortality, realising he could have been among those lost, leaving him to sombrely inquire: "Were there any survivors?"

The officer revealed that although they managed to pull one survivor from the wreckage, his condition remained critical. Following an enquiry about a fellow companion, the downcast officer had to break the news: "He died on impact, I am sorry. I know they were your crew."

Amidst his grief, the veteran asked if there was any chance of bringing them back, only to be told firmly by the officer, "Out of the question, I am afraid," as he shared his fears for his friend's survival prospects.

Later, James sought counsel from another military official and shared the guilt-ridden thoughts that it could have been him at the aircraft's controls. The episode ended with a teary James being medically discharged, leaving behind his service life and returning to Skeldale House.

The Channel 5 series' comeback has filled viewers with delight but also tugged at their heartstrings. One viewer posted online: "I'm sad about James' men," with another adding in: "James could have been killed, I am glad he got to go home to Helen."

Calls for the series to ease its emotional grip came from a viewer pleading: "Don't make me SOB," whilst another expressed joy and affection following James's homecoming: "Great James is home. Wonderful and heartwarming."

Viewers were enveloped in a sense of comfort akin to a security blanket. One expressed on social media, "Ahhh, warm fuzzy feelings after watching #ACGAS. It's just like a comfort blanket. Fantastic first episode, and now I can't wait for next week!"

The series kept pulling at the heartstrings as one fan admitted, "I'm tearing up at the birth of that calf," while another revealed, "Crying like a baby."

All Creatures Great and Small returns next Thursday at 9pm on Channel 5.