BBC All Creatures Great and Small actress says co-star will be 'missed' after exit

All Creatures Great and Small favourite Rachel Shenton has opened up about her emotions following the exit of a beloved co-star in a heartfelt chat.

Portraying Helen Herriot since 2020, Rachel Shenton is currently gripped in a pregnancy plotline, marked by compelling drama. She's now also grappling with the departure of Gerald from the series, as he leaves to care for his sister.

In the show, Gerald and Mrs Hall's burgeoning love sparked much interest, even catching Rachel's own affection; she's said it's the highlight of the show for her. During a heart-to-heart with Masterpiece on PBS, Rachel revealed while she enjoys watching their storyline unfold, "I really liked them. I really liked Gerald. I thought they had something good. But he needs to go and look after his sister, and she can't leave Skeldale, and I get it. So maybe it's one of those things when life's sometimes a bit unfair."

Will Thorpe, who plays Gerald, was praised by Rachel for his on-set presence: "Also, Will [Thorpe] is just bloody hilarious. He's such a great guy to have on set he's brilliant at telling the jokes, he's got such good comedy timing. He'll be missed."

The emotional parting of Gerald and Mrs Hall moved 'All Creatures Great and Small' viewers deeply, inciting floods of social media reactions. One fan encapsulated the collective sentiment, saying: "I was not emotionally prepared for this episode!", reports the Mirror.

One viewer concurred: "Heartbreaking episode - eyes were welling up at end plus what's gonna happen if Mrs Hall leaves!" Another chimed in: "Oh my! So moving... Could Gerald's sister come and live in Darrowby? Please! Another brilliant episode."

This follows the heartthrob Nicholas Ralph's significant update on the filming of season five revealing that the series has already concluded. While Channel 5 chiefs are keeping the major plot twists a secret, the Skeldale House crew will be back.

Confirmed is the "unexpected return" of Tristan Farnon, portrayed by Callum Woodhouse, who left the show so his character could undertake military service in series three. Nicholas will reprise his role as James Herriot, while Samuel West returns as Siegfried and Anna Madeley comes back as Mrs Hall.

In a conversation with Hello! magazine, Anna stated: "I think there are loads of stories that are fantastic to tell, adding: " adding: "There are still lots and lots of things we'd love to film."

Samuel echoed: "I think we're all still having a very nice time!"