Things were strained between John and Moira for months, as the increasing pressures of the farm drove a deep wedge between them.
Feeling lonely and neglected, Moira fell for predatory Cain’s charms and started an illicit affair.
But when John discovered his wife’s betrayal, the family was torn asunder and even the kids didn’t want anything to do with their mother.
Poor Adam was stuck in the middle of Holly and Hannah – the first full of hate while the latter was desperate to have her parents back together.
John's brief fling with Chas galvanised Moira into saving her marriage, and despite John's insistance on filing for divorce, they eventually agreed to try and save their marriage.
Filled with renewed hope, the couple were convinced by their kids to spend the night in a hotel, but disaster struck as the car skidded on some ice and careered down a hill.
Go behind-the-scenes of the car crash with James Thornton and Natalie J Robb
With the help of passing Declan and Katie, John managed to free Moira from the wreckage but it was too late for him, as the car slid off the edge of a cliff.
He had one last chance to say goodbye to his true love before passing away, leaving Moira and the kids crushed.
Following John's death, the family splintered. Moira was in a daze, Hannah's school work suffered and in a moment of weakness Holly looked for an escape by taking drugs. But was saved by the unlikeliest of Samaritans, Cain.
Furious about Cain's involvement, a bitter and twisted Adam sought revenge by setting the garage on fire with Cain inside!
Luckily, his conscience got the better of him, and Adam saved Cain before he could be hurt.
But with the police beating a path for Adam's door, it was his best friend Aaron who decided to take the rap for his friend, but only after he made Adam promise to put the past behind him and move on with his life.
Will Adam be able to step up and look after his family?