All Creatures Great and Small fans 'heartbroken' as Mrs Hall announces exit

All Creatures Great and Small viewers were left devastated as housekeeper Audrey Hall revealed she would be taking time away from Skeldale House.

The beloved character, portrayed by Anna Madeley, has been at the centre of a gradually unfolding storyline which has seen her form an increasingly intimate connection with vet Siegfried Farnon in thepopular Channel 5 period drama. Fans are now certain a full-blown romance is on the cards.

The dynamic between the pair was pushed into sharp focus during Thursday's episode (October 16) when Siegfried appeared crushed after Audrey announced her intention to temporarily depart to visit her son and granddaughter. Audiences believed he looked utterly heartbroken at the thought of being separated from Mrs Hall, with many rushing to social media to express how poignant the scene was.

The emotional exchange unfolded as Siegfried (Samuel West) sat in the kitchen, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Audrey walked into the room and broached the subject of taking leave, explaining: "I have a little request, yes I'd like to request a leave to go to Edward's. Mary's first birthday's coming up weekend after next."

"I see," responded Siegfried, his expression turning sombre.

"Would that be all right?" Audrey asked.

"I'll be sure to make you a couple of pies and hopefully that will see you through."

The veterinarian confirmed it was acceptable, curtly replying: "I coped perfectly well before when you weren't here, I won't need your pies."

Yet fans were convinced this was merely a front, with one viewer writing on X (formerly Twitter): "The light leaving Siegfried's eyes when Audrey tells him she wants some time off..."

Another viewer penned: "Siegfried's lip tremble. Sam West the actor you are."

"The sad puppy eyes Siegfried is giving Audrey... I am LOSING IT," another fan exclaimed, while a different viewer noted: "I'm not sure how many more times Siegfried is going to say 'I'm perfectly fine'."

"Ohhhhhhhh Siegfried and his abandonment issues..... OHHHHHHHHHHHH MY HEART!!!!!" one fan commented on social media.

"Siegfried isn't coping with Audrey being away," observed another.

A viewer chimed in: "The way Siegfried's face fell at the prospect of her leaving. Avoiding eye contact... Rejecting pies. Pushing her away. Oh, this is going to be so good."

Later in the episode, Siegfried was spotted attempting to take over some of Audrey's tasks, cleaning up a broken vase and then preparing his own lunch.

"Everything to not disturb Audrey," suggested one viewer. "He's clearly trying to act like he can do things alone cause she's gonna leave and he needs to be prepared. Oh he's so smitten."

All Creatures Great and Small airs on Thursdays on Channel 5 at 9pm