Season 22

Essex's finest return and head to Barcelona for sun, fun and plenty of drama! Power couple Lockie and Yaz, spend some quality time with their friends in the sun-soaked city and each admit that all is not well in their relationship. Loveable new boys Dean and Jordan have previous with most of Essex, but whose feathers will they ruffle most in Barcelona? Back in Essex, Gemma and Arg are taking bold strides in their relationship, and Pete bashfully admits to Chloe that he's going on a date

After an explosive trip to Barcelona, the Essex residents are back with a bang. Yaz escapes to her family home and admits to her problems with Lockie - his sexist and rude behaviour has affected her friendships and left her feeling embarrassed. As one relationship teeters in the balance, another one blossoms as perpetual bachelor, Dan, wants to give things a go with new hottie, Clelia.

As Pete's new relationship with Shelby goes from strength to strength, his friends are concerned that he's isolating himself from the rest of the group. Chloe Sims also has reservations over his new lady love, whilst Gatsby insinuates that Shelby is flirtatious with other guys. As the chorus of disapproval grows louder, will Pete acknowledge that his relationship is too full-on? Or is Shelby worth protecting at all costs?

Now that Gemma and Arg are finally official it appears that they might not be on the same page after all. Lockie and Yaz both vow to write honest letters to one other to heal their divisions. Dean takes Amber on a second date to a cocktail-making class. Jon pursues drama of the thespian kind

Chloe Sims delivers some home truths about Arg being too immature for fatherhood. Courtney dumps Myles who tells Lockie he'll do anything to get her back. Shelby lets slip that she might be in love with new beau Pete.

The gang heads to Brighton, where Courtney considers getting back together with Myles, Chloe challenges Jon about his behaviour around women, and Arg and Gemma share more drama.

Yaz's jealousy issues continue to haunt her and Clelia urges Pete to show how committed he is to Shelby before he goes on a week-long adventure holiday.

Bobby and Lockie both call Arg out on his behaviour, Yaz looks ahead to her birthday, and Myles wants to get back together with Courtney, who is enjoying being single again.

Gatsby encourages Dean to clear the air with Chloe Sims after not hearing from her since their date but then Dean discovers Chloe spent the weekend with a younger man! Amber realises why Dan is refusing to commit to her. Trying to help, Yaz suggests a relationship counsellor for Dan and Amber. Arg learns that he needs to face the consequences of his actions, and Jordan faces the wrath of Myles after his efforts to comfort a freshly single Courtney blows up in his face.

It's the series finale, but the Essex drama shows no signs of packing up for the summer. Arg's behaviour pushes Gemma to breaking point. Jordan's friends give him the cold shoulder when he sticks to his principles. Myles gives Courtney an ultimatum. Dan struggles to commit to Amber while Chloe has doubts about her relationship with Adam. And Tommy is thrown a birthday party fit for a king.