Rev.

The Reverend Adam Smallbone's life in his London parish hasn't got any easier; his flock are just as demanding and his wife Alex has reached breaking point. So when Adam unwittingly thwarts a mugging, he's tempted to bask in the novelty of being hailed a super vicar instead of the usual clergy-baiting, and enjoy Alex's renewed attraction to her hero husband.

Abi Johnston, a talented young curate, comes to train at St Saviour's. Lay Reader Nigel's green with envy and even Adam's initial enthusiasm at the prospect of someone to cover weekends off soon gives way to doubt in his own abilities as a priest when he realises just how brilliant she is. When Colin decides his vicar needs cheering up, Adam inadvertently gets the chance to experience religious versus chemical ecstasy.

A heatwave hits London and Adam can't sleep. He is not the only one plagued by nightmares as elderly parishioner Joan has just moved into a nursing home and is convinced her new room is haunted. Adam is called on to justify believing in the Holy Ghost, but not spooks. There are demands at home too as Alex and Adam have a pint-sized house guest in the form of Adam's difficult goddaughter Enid.

The church school is up for religious inspection and headteacher Ellie's confident they'll pass with flying colours, thanks to inspiring new teacher, Mr Feld. The only problem is, he's an atheist. Adam clashes with Ellie, but has another battle on his hands - he's signed up for an interfaith football tournament and the St Saviour's congregation rather lacks young, fit athletes.

There is a hole in the church accounts and the Archdeacon is ready to pounce. Salvation appears to come in the form of a wealthy City banker who arrives at St Saviour's to join Alcoholics Anonymous. However, Adam's mind isn't on balancing the books as the serial blagger Mick has arrived on the vicarage doorstep with a much bigger ask than the usual 20 quid and Adam takes a huge risk.

Ambition's in the air. Pedantic Lay Reader Nigel has always believed he'd be a far better priest than Adam and finally gets the chance to prove it - or not. The Archdeacon also has lofty ambitions for career advancement, but a surprise encounter throws a rather different light on things. Meanwhile, even Colin has a new job.

Christmas is the busiest time of year for a vicar and Adam is full of ideas for his first Advent in London. However, he soon discovers that Christmas at St Saviour's is quite different to his sleepy Suffolk parish. He is under pressure from the archdeacon to maximise seasonal profits, the diary is packed with unusual events and he is up at the crack of dawn every morning to cook breakfast at the homeless shelter.