In December 2013, 17 years after initially becoming the Vicar of St.Mary's Church, Ashley gets his old job back. However, after discovering that his rival, Harriet, was the first choice but resigned because of him, he gave the job up for her. Harriet is later sacked after officiating an unauthorized same-sex blessing for Ali and Ruby. Ashley regains his position as vicar for Saint Mary's church. Harriet and Ashley begin a relationship soon after. Ashley is critically injured after being run over by Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins) who was intentionally aiming for Adam. After suffering numerous seizures, he learns that he has epilepsy. He struggles to cope with his condition and soon realises that he is losing his memory. Ashley takes some memory tests. However, the outcome is unsuccessful and he is diagnosed with vascular dementia.