James is appointed as attending vet at the Darrowby Show - but Siegfried and Tristan warn him that the job is a poisoned chalice and expect him to quit after the first day. Mrs Hall has more faith in him, however, and makes a wager with the Farnon brothers. James finds himself surrounded by pushy farmers offering bribes to help them cheat their way to victory and faces a dilemma when the Aldersons desperately need his help in securing the sale of their prize bull.

It's Christmas Eve and the day before Helen's much-anticipated wedding to Hugh, and everyone is gathering to celebrate at the Skeldale Christmas party. However, James is called away to help with a dog in labour, so Helen asks to go with him to get away from all the wedding talk, only for a descending fog to trap the pair in the Dales overnight. The vet promises he will get her back in time for her wedding in the morning, all the while wondering if he will be able to suppress his true feelings for her. Festive special of the drama, starring Nicholas Ralph and Rachel Shenton.