Season 21 - Episode Guide

With time running out to find Lydia, Lenny puts his plan into action, while Alex starts to wonder if he is wrong about Karen. Meanwhile, Nicole reconsiders her future after a job offer from Tyler; Mulvaney asks to meet Bernie for a talk, sending her mind racing; Stevie is torn on how best to tell Sam about Andrew; and Bob and Roisin can't keep their hands off each other.

Stevie's plans to have lunch with Andrew are interrupted by an unexpected visitor and, with no word from Grant, Lenny begins to doubt his plan. Has he blown his last chance to find Lydia?

Elsewhere, Nicole takes on her first big challenge as manager of the Jailbirds, and an unwell Caitlin does her best not to worry Ellie.

In this special episode, Lenny reflects on his life after giving up his search for Lydia.

Caitlin fears that she is pregnant, putting Ellie's surrogacy in jeopardy. Elsewhere, Mikey surprises a disappointed Gillian on her birthday, and Bernie catches Suzie lying about her date with Duncan.

Ash makes a last-ditch attempt to stop Caitlin going through with the insemination - but is he too late? Meanwhile, Lenny is caught between a rock and a hard place with Karen, and Tyler attempts to stop Darren from starting an all-out war with the Murdochs.

In this second special episode, Lenny remembers the pain, loss and joy that his love for Lydia has caused him, and the uncertainty that the future now brings as she returns.

A remorseful Lenny comes face to face with Lydia, who exposes the explosive truth about her ‘death' – but can Lenny earn her forgiveness? Elsewhere, Karen faces the music when she arrives back to Shieldinch.

Alex learns the devastating truth of Karen's deception. but Karen's other secret challenges Alex to forgive her. Elsewhere, a depleted Grant ponders whether to trust Mulvaney as she eyes an escape, and Lenny and Lydia negotiate what's next for Lydia's future.

Lenny does his best to protect Lydia from Darren, and Amber discovers that her mum is back. Meanwhile, an anxious Stevie has to face the music with Sam and Andrew, and Nicole finds out some hard truths about the Foulkes family.

Amber faces Lydia and asks some tough questions. Meanwhile, Stevie deals with a competitive Sam and Andrew and tries to find a way to move forward. Elsewhere, Nicole realises breaking up with Darren may not be as easy as she thinks.

Sam is anxious as he tries to reckon with the potential outcome of the DNA test results, while Ruby is torn when a despondent Ellie asks if she will be her surrogate. Meanwhile, Suzie turns to Mikey for help when she is let down by Duncan again.

A determined Lenny devises a plan to take down Darren once and for all. Suzie is in a pickle as she tries to juggle her duties at the health centre and Molly's Corner, while Sam and Stevie make plans for their new life together as father and son.

Sam is anxious as he tries to reckon with the potential outcome of today's DNA test results, while Ruby is torn when a despondent Ellie asks if she will be her surrogate. Meanwhile, Suzie turns to Mikey for help when she is let down by Duncan again.

A determined Lenny devises a plan to take down Darren once and for all, while Suzie is in a pickle as she tries to juggle her duties at the health centre and Molly's corner. Meanwhile, Sam and Stevie make plans for their new life together as father and son.

Desperate to move forward with her life, Lydia makes a plan to clear her name. Meanwhile, Tyler is furious to learn that Lenny has betrayed him as he faces the wrath of Darren, and Roisin is wrong-footed when her need for secrecy threatens her relationship with Bob.

Lydia decides how best to reintroduce herself to the community, while Bob and Roisin face their sternest test yet. Meanwhile, Ellie helps an anxious Ruby as she waits for the verdict of her apprenticeship application.

Alex and Karen struggle to continue hiding the truth from Jessie, and Bob has some making up to do with Angus after a wild night out. Meanwhile, Lou tries taking Mikey's mind off his search for his birth mother.

Lydia is determined to prove Amber wrong as she hunts for a new job and a fresh start. Meanwhile, Caitlin does her best to ignore Gillian's advances with Ash, and Nicole decides to take matters into her own hands.

Ellie ensures that nothing can stop Ruby from becoming her surrogate, but will today's home insemination go as planned? Meanwhile, Amber looks to reconcile with Lou by unlocking her fun side with help from Mikey, and Mulvaney seeks reassurance after receiving a life-changing document.

Steve's priorities are tested when he is met with a face from the past. Ruby learns the devastating lengths that a manipulative Ellie has gone to ensure that she becomes her surrogate. Alex replaces a harassed Karen at a Candleroom meeting only to find himself against a formidable foe.

A derailed Alex promises to accompany Karen to her 12-week scan - but will he make it in time..? Meanwhile, Mulvaney's struggle to adapt to civilian life is compounded when he requires medical intervention, and Maggie bonds with Sonny when she assists him on a project for Molly's Corner.

Bob learns a valuable lesson from a mysterious new customer at the garage, while Ruby has a big decision to make about her future. Meanwhile, Bernie comes up with a solution to help the currently homeless Mulvaney.

Tyler reaches breaking point and swallows his pride in order to protect Nicole. Karen and Alex receive the result of the biopsy, and Ellie is made to realise some harsh truths from her family.

Lenny, Tyler and Nicole put their plan into action to deal with Darren once and for all. Meanwhile, Caitlin and Maggie worry about a missing Ellie as they wave off Ruby, and Bernie's attention is caught by Sam and Poppy being a bit overly familiar.

Faced with a murder investigation, a desperate Alex asks Tyler for a favour. Meanwhile, Lou is optimistic after her recent hook-ups with Amber, until a misunderstanding threatens their newfound romance. Stevie is frustrated with Sam as they clash over the family business.

Alex is under pressure as he deals with the fallout from the Candle Room fire, while Lydia reckons with her feelings for Lenny as his life hangs in the balance. Elsewhere, a worried Maggie asks Lou to help her find Ellie.

A suspicious Bob decides to do some digging after Rebecca and Tommy pretend not to know each other, while Maggie fears the worst after receiving money from Ellie. Elsewhere, Alex struggles to maintain control when trying to buy Toomey's silence.

Caitlin's reluctance to find Ellie is tested when Maggie is asked to identify a body, while Suzie encourages a frustrated Nicole to follow her heart. Elsewhere, Scarlett is delighted to be nominated for a Star of Shieldinch award, but wonders who put her name forward - and why.

Sam pins all his hopes for the business on hosting a talent showcase for his acts, while Caitlin struggles to mend things with Ash. Elsewhere, Amber and Lydia continue to feud over custody of Lenny.

A newly-conscious Lenny faces some tough questions from DCI Shaw, while Gillian becomes frustrated with Mikey after receiving an update about her divorce. Elsewhere, Bob clashes with Rebecca when his training begins to take priority over the garage.

Stevie has a tough task persuading Sam to put business before pride, while Karen is targeted by DCI Shaw. Elsewhere, Mulvaney turns back the clock to organise a birthday surprise for Bernie.

Time is running out for Alex as he seeks help to deal with Toomey. Meanwhile, Maggie has returned from Ireland and struggles to fill the void that Ellie has left, and an excited Sam gears up for his first broadcast on Radio Shieldinch.

Unwilling to accept Lenny's amnesia could be permanent, Amber focuses her energy on sparking his memory. Meanwhile, Gillian's ex-husband Dominic arrives in Shieldinch, and Bob finds himself caught between Roisin and Tommy when he gets his wires crossed.

Karen makes a life-threatening decision on the day of her hysterectomy. Barry attempts to help Caitlin deal with the void left by her absent family, and Gillian is left with a choice following her fling with Dominic.

Caitlin's Shieldinch Community Radio debut threatens to end in disaster after her confidence is knocked by Ash. Meanwhile, Alex seeks advice from an unlikely source as the pressure from Toomey mounts, and Scarlett canvasses for Star of Shieldinch votes at the expense of Bernie's plans.

Gillian attempts to build bridges between Mikey and Dominic but ends up faced with an ultimatum. Elsewhere, Karen lashes out at those closest to her following her hysterectomy, and Caitlin attempts to suppress the green-eyed monster and take things slow in her new romance with Sam.

20th anniversary episode. On his 37th birthday, Bob reflects on his 20 years living in Shieldinch. After drinking from a mysterious bottle, he and Angus wake up in the multiverse where many of the lost friends from their past still exist.

When Roisin wrongly accuses Tommy of dealing drugs out of Bob's garage, she jeopardises their close friendship. Meanwhile, Maggie searches for a new purpose, and Madonna feels rebuffed when Scarlett fails to acknowledge her in her ‘Star of Shieldinch' speech.

Lenny uses his amnesia ruse to persuade Lydia to spend time with him, and the pair enjoy a romantic moment. Meanwhile, DCI Shaw makes a breakthrough in her case, and Madonna suffers Scarlett's wrath when she leaves Callum in charge of the shop.

When a grounded Madonna is barred from seeing her favourite influencer, she opens up and shows her mum how neglected she feels. Tyler and Nicole feel DCI Shaw inching closer to the truth, and Mikey gets an offer of help from Mulvaney in the search for his birth mum.

A surprise visit has AJ questioning everything. Meanwhile, Gillian and Dominic try to reconnect over their therapy exercises, and a run-in with Lydia forces Amber to decide on the status of her relationship with Lou.

A stressed Bob is forced to make a tough call on his business, while Jessie seeks advice as she struggles to support Karen in her cancer journey. Elsewhere, Maggie's skills are put to the test in a clean-off with Mikey.

Alex plans a grand date with Karen but can't shake the feeling that he's being watched. Meanwhile, Ash needs a favour from Caitlin to make his Ibiza plans come true, and Angus has a secret that could put his friendship with Bob on the line.

A desperate Lenny searches for answers as Alex's life is under threat, while Gillian decides to be honest in a final attempt to save her marriage. Elsewhere, Stevie tries to get a hot new client on Spiller and Son's books.

Lenny makes the decision to shut down the fire investigation once and for all, as Sam's attempts to promote Spiller and Son don't go according to plan. Meanwhile, Bob finds a solution that could save the future of the garage.

Sonny dreads Lenny's return to the cab office, hoping that he has forgotten that he tried to scam him, while Maggie does her best not to come between Bernie and Suzie. Elsewhere, Gillian makes a decision about the future of her marriage.

Scarlett asks Lenny for help to get rid of a lodger who is causing problems in the O'Hara house, while Mikey struggles to find peace and quiet on his day off. Elsewhere, a frustrated Jessie searches for inspiration to take the perfect photo.

The day Mikey has waited for has finally arrived as he learns who is birth mother is. Meanwhile, Tyler and Nicole return to Shieldinch, and Stevie receives relationship advice from Sam and Caitlin.

Angus proposes an innovative solution to fix Montego Motors' business woes but faces resistance from Bob. Meanwhile, Mikey finds comfort in learning the truth about Molly, and a frustrated Lydia attempts to secure Gillian as a client behind Andrew's back.

Nicole's attempts to persuade Tyler to make Shieldinch their home are derailed when she learns of the community's assumptions towards them. Elsewhere, Maggie receives help from Sonny when she discovers a double-booking in her diary, and Bob threatens to sabotage his recovery when he pushes away those closest to him.

Gillian confronts a scheming Dominic when he holds an item of sentimental value hostage, delaying the finality of their divorce. Meanwhile, Karen is made to question her business beliefs when she is pitched opposing business ideas by Maggie and Nicole, and Mikey is tricked by a manipulative Madonna into buying her alcohol.

Lenny is accused of harassing Lydia when Callum is caught spying on her and Andrew. Meanwhile, Amber discovers a passion for debating when she replaces Lou on Radio Shieldinch, and Ash is made to realise that he should accept and pursue his heart's desires by an observant Barry.

Amber discovers that Lenny and Tyler are behind a new drug wreaking havoc on the community and decides to stop them by running for community council. Meanwhile, Mikey tries in vain to get closer to a stand-offish Bernie, and a naïve Jessie posts a picture of a sick Karen online which goes viral.

Mulvaney tries to heal the rift between Bernie and Mikey, only to find his world changed when Bernie reveals the truth about Mikey. Meanwhile, with Bob out of commission, Roisin finds an unlikely date for a comedy gig in Tommy. Elsewhere, Lenny targets a new puppet to run against Amber in the council elections.

Following Bernie's shock revelations, Mulvaney demands some answers from her. Meanwhile, Tyler brings trouble to the Jailbirds, and Nicole rejects advice from Lydia. Elsewhere, Madonna's rebellious behaviour causes a rift between Andrew and Scarlett.

In order to keep Gillian's attentions, Ash makes a dramatic gesture which could threaten her medical career. Meanwhile, Lydia has to face the consequences with Andrew for lying on her CV, and Lenny tries to encourage Suzie to run against Amber in the community council elections.

Scarlett tries to keep the peace as Andrew and Madonna continue to clash. Meanwhile, Bernie is nervous about spending the day alone with Mikey, and Caitlin is determined to win the grand prize at a charity pub quiz.

An overwhelmed Maggie is forced to make big decisions about her new cleaning business. Elsewhere, Scarlett is delivered some shocking news about Andrew, and Callum learns the dangers of online gaming.

Mulvaney is under pressure as he tries to hide the true nature of his job from Mikey. Meanwhile, Roisin struggles to connect with a depressed Bob, and Sam convinces Stevie to let a friend from his past audition for them.

A grateful Bob spends the day with Kim and Kenzie but struggles to let go of the past. Elsewhere, a spurned Nicole is determined to prove herself as a businesswoman, and Jessie is forced to decide between their online following and their mum.

Lydia feels compelled to help Barry after hearing about his legal troubles. Meanwhile, Karen finds out whether or not the first round of chemo has worked, and Madonna comes across a reminder of her dad.

Grant Stott hosts a one-off special to celebrate the 20th anniversary of River City. Filmed at the show's iconic set in Dumbarton, Grant is joined by current cast members and familiar faces from the past to celebrate the soap's history and showcase the results of a public vote that invites fans to select their favourite storylines. And their are performances from superfan Susan Boyle and Tall Ship landlady Caitlin McLean - aka actor and performer Gayle Telfer Stevens.

Concerned about his dad, Mikey does everything he can to get Mulvaney into the festive spirit. Elsewhere, Sonny wrestles with some painful memories, and Amber accuses Suzie of using charity as good publicity for her campaign.

Scarlett struggles to manage Madonna's expectations of seeing Jimmy again, while Sonny offers to rescue a segment on Sam's radio show. Elsewhere, Tommy seeks Roisin's advice on how to deal with some troubled kids at the gym.

Having made up his mind, Mulvaney informs Lenny of his decision to quit. Meanwhile, Rebecca asks Tommy to put her forward for a big boxing competition, and Gillian needs to decide between her past and her future.