All Creatures Great and Small fans were left disappointed as Callum Woodhouse didn't reprise his role of Tristan in the Christmas special shown on Thursday.
It was also hinted that we probably won't see him for quite some time, given that his bedroom was offered to new vet student Richard Carmody.
However it is unclear whether Callum will reprise his role in the future after he posted a photograph on Instagram and wrote: "Over n out for now."
In the Channel 5 show, Tristan was called up to serve in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps in last year's Christmas special and fans have not seen him since.
Fans were sad not to see Tristan make an appearance in the Christmas special
Channel 5
Fans of the show were devastated not to see Tristan onscreen and took to the comments section of Tristan's Instagram post to beg him to return to the series.
One person said: "I really hope Tristan will be back in the next season. Such an incredible character. Full of compassion and wit. It is great to watch him evolve and mature."
A second fan penned: "My hubby and I miss you so much in season 4. Hoping you can come back in a season 5! Tristan is such a great character and part of the story!"
While a third wrote: "You are the best character. I hope they bring you back."
He left last year to fight in the war
PA
The beloved show follows the lives of three veterinary surgeons who work in the Yorkshire Dales in 1937. Siegfried Farnon is Tristan's brother and it is clear that he misses his family member.
Nicholas Ralph, who plays James, said: "We miss Tristan a lot.
"And James in particular, he's his best friend. He's his brother in the surrogate family, so he's hugely proud of him for becoming his own man.
"Spreading his wings and getting out from underneath Siegfried's watchful eye."
Tristan and James were best friends in the show
PA
He added: "The character James misses Tris, but also we missed Cal on set and hanging out. He is a wonderful actor."
Rachel Shenton, who stars as Helen, said: "He's still in the WhatsApp group sending pictures of the dogs."
There is yet to be a release date for the new series on Channel 5 viewers but US fans can expect it to be back on air in early 2024.
Sadly though UK viewers will have to wait a little longer.
All Creatures Great and Small is available to watch on My5.
