Viewers who tuned into the season seven finale of All Creatures Great and Small on Thursday evening were left speechless over the dramatic cliffhanger ending.

Warning! Spoilers for season seven, episode six ahead!

As preparations for Siegfried and Dorothy's understated wedding got underway, the veterinary surgeon came to a sudden realisation: leaving Skeldale House meant closing the chapter on his deep-rooted bond with Mrs. Hall.

Rehearsing his wedding speech, Siegfried's thoughts inevitably drifted to his beloved housekeeper. What began as a formal expression of gratitude quickly turned into a heartfelt confession.

"For the many happy evenings we've spent playing cards and word games; the way she puts up with all my little foibles; the way she allows me to be me," he said. 

"For the countless immeasurable ways she makes my life better."

As the realisation of his true feelings for Mrs Hall dawned upon him, he uttered: "I can't imagine my life without her."

When Siegfried broke the truth to Dorothy, she gracefully stepped aside, admitting she had been aware all along. "I wouldn't want to be married to someone who doesn't love me with their whole heart," she said. "I deserve better than that."

The episode concluded with Siegfried seeking the right moment to confess his feelings to Mrs. Hall, though he ultimately held back.

Viewers rushed to social media to share their thoughts on the jaw-dropping finale. One person wrote: "I'll need at least 5-10 business days to recover from that (probably more)," while another added: "I'm speechless."

A third person penned: "I have to remember to breathe tonight. Honestly. This episode is to tense #ACGAS in a good way. The way Siegfried stopped before he said 'Mrs Hall' and then couldn't continue," while another viewer was moved to tears when Siegfried recognised his true feelings: "This is the exact moment I broke down and ugly cried. I don't know why this moment broke me when there were a ton of other amazing moments, but it did. That little sweet smile of realization. My heart."

Thankfully, fans won't have to wait long to find out whether Siegfried managed to muster up the courage to confess his love for Mrs Hall as the show will return with a Christmas special later this year. An exact date has yet to be announced.