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Emmerdale star reveals Ross's future after Emma story

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

From Digital Spy

Emmerdale star Michael Parr has revealed that he's glad Ross Barton wasn't the killer of his mum Emma.

Ross was the early prime suspect in the case, but Thursday night's surprising episodes confirmed that Moira was the real killer.

Speaking to Digital Spy about the big reveal, Michael pointed out that it would have been too predictable for Ross to be the culprit.

Michael explained: "I knew quite far in advance that it wasn't Ross, but only because I knew about other stories further down the line.

"When I was talking to our producer Iain MacLeod about a story in the future, there were no repercussions that suggested it had been Ross, so I was like: 'Right, okay, I'm here for a little while'.

"I think it would have been a little too obvious if it were Ross, but it would also have been a bittersweet story which had come full circle, because Emma had tried to kill him and then he finished her off.

"Ross does think he has done it though, so I still get to play the guilt and shame. It was really hard to portray, as I couldn't play it so obvious that it gave it away, so we almost had to act out the story rather than the truth of the performance. We had to tone it down a little bit and we had to play it a bit ambiguous."

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

As revealed in dark scenes on Thursday, Ross blames himself for Emma's death as he drove her off to the viaduct and ordered her to jump. By the time he returned, Emma had suffered her deadly fall and Ross has been living with the guilt ever since, not knowing about Moira's involvement.

Michael continued: "It's been high stress for Ross. He had to get out of town to get his head straight. It's been weighing on his conscience, but he has been trying to justify it by thinking that he didn't actually push her, but still, he did walk her to her fate.

"He also tried to use what Emma did to Finn as a justification, but the longer it went on, the more the cracks started to show. Ross's default emotion is retaliate and revenge, but we are starting to see a different side to him where he starts to think things through.

"You'll also see that it brings Ross and Pete closer together. They bonded when their parents first died and the suspicion drove them apart a bit, but ultimately you will see that closer bond forming.

"I love that, because it was always Ross and Pete at each other's throats, so it's nice for me and Quinny to be on each other's side. There's potential for a good brother storyline where they actually get on and cause trouble together."

Photo credit: ITV
Photo credit: ITV

Asked whether he wants Ross to reunite with Debbie Dingle after recent events, Mike was honest as ever: "I hope not – she's barely been there! Ross has been lovely to her and was doting on her. Whenever Sarah was in need, he did all these naughty jobs and stole Porsches and gave her all the money, but she was just cold hearted towards him.

"Now she has met handsome Ned's character Tom Waterhouse, so he's my upgrade! I've let him win!"

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, with an extra episode at 8pm on Thursdays.


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