All Creatures Great and Small fans 'sob' as James Herriot bids farewell after death

All Creatures Great and Small fans were left sobbing on Thursday night as James Herriot (played by Nicholas Ralph) made a return to screens. However, the vet was away from Skeldale and his love Helen (Rachel Shenton) as he had joined the war effort as a pilot.

However, things took an unexpected turn when James fell ill, meaning he was unfit to continue in the war as a pilot. Instead, he went to help out on a farm, which saw the heartwarming moment of him delivering a calf.

This also meant that the vet was unable to take part in their first "active mission" to Scotland. Despite not being with the friends he had made during his training, James discovered some heartbreaking news. During their trip, the pilot who had replaced James died after coming under fire from the Germans, and two more of his pals also died as a result.

During the emotional scenes, James broke down as he received the news of the accident. His officer said: "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."

James went on to realise that if he was fit enough to fly, he would have been killed himself, he asked: "Were there any survivors?"

The officer explained one man was pulled from the wreckage but "is in a bad way".

When asked about his other friend, the officer added: "He died on impact, I am sorry. I know they were your crew."

As he fought back tears, the vet asked: "Will they be bringing them back?"

"Out of the question, I am afraid," the officer replied as the vet questioned whether his other friend "would make it".

Soon after, James went to visit another officer and protested if he had been flying the plane, they may not have died.

The vet choked back tears again as he reflected on his friend's death, and as the episode came to a close, James was finally medically discharged and so he bid farewell to the forces and returned to Skeldale.

Many fans were delighted by the return of the Channel 5 series, but many were left in tears following some of the heartwarming scenes.

"I'm sad about James' men," one penned while another replied: "James could have been killed, I am glad he got to go home to Helen.

"Don’t make me SOB," a third pleaded while someone else stated: "Great James is home. Wonderful and heartwarming."

Another went on: "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!"

"I’m tearing up at the birth of that calf," one fan wrote as another commented: "Crying like a baby."

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