ITV Emmerdale's Ross Barton star 'lets slip' return details as fans 'rumble' another soap comeback
Emmerdale fans are convinced that Ross Barton's return to the village could lead to another character comeback.
It was announced on Tuesday that Michael Parr is to reprise his role as legendary Emmerdale bad boy Ross six years after leaving the village.
Actor Michael, 38, first joined the hit ITV soap back in 2013, where he was known for his tumultuous relationships with Donna Windsor and Debbie Dingle. His first relationship culminated sadly in Donna’s suicide, when she fell with dodgy criminal Gary North off the roof of a car park. Having truly loved Donna, Ross was absolutely devastated by her death.
Following the heartbreak, Ross later began a secret affair with Debbie Dingle, who was engaged to his brother Pete. However, in true soap style, this ended when it was revealed that Ross had a one-night stand with Debbie’s mother, Charity, conceiving baby Moses in the process.
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Away from his love life, Ross also became involved in many dangerous schemes including a plot to kill his brother Pete, but is most notably remembered for the heartbreaking storyline which saw him battle with depression during his recovery from a devastating acid attack in a case of mistaken identity.
In 2018, Ross left the village with Rebecca White and her son Sebastian White to start a new life in Liverpool. Ross has often been mentioned off-screen due to his son Moses with Charity and now he is returning to the soap later this year. It has been teased: "With old wounds still to heal, his presence in the village is likely to stir up feelings and ignite some new rivalries."
Taking to Twitter, now X, after the news was announced, actor Michael tweeted: "Hi Twits, it's been a while. Can't believe it's been six years since I was last on set in the Dales. Very excited to be back. Do you think Ross will be a good boy or do you think he's here to cause trouble? Let me know in the comments."
"Will Ross still be with Rebecca or has he dumped her because that will tell us a lot about whether going to be good or not," one fan replied, suggesting Rebecca (Emily Head) could return to the village, too.
Michael wrote in response: "I wish I could reveal all but I'd be fired before I even started if I did. :)." (sic)
Elsewhere, other accounts were quick to share their theories, as a different follower said: "Back to destroy Mack and Charity is my hope."
Another wrote: "I think a little bit of bad boy mixed in with good guy and definitely a romance will be on the cards. Could it be Tracy or Victoria?" While another added: "Can see some love interests for him but gotta be trouble."
It comes as Michael said of his return in a statement: "I’m over the moon to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I’m extremely fond of and I’m excited to explore what he’s been up to over the past five years. After seeing the scripts, I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing I can say is Ross’ return will no doubt create fireworks."
While producer, Laura Shaw, added: "We are delighted to have Michael back at Team Emmerdale, playing the unforgettable and charismatic bad boy Ross Barton once again. Ross makes a huge impact from the first moment he arrives back on screen, immediately throwing some of our villagers' lives into disarray. Chaotic, wild and reckless, Ross is absolutely going to shake up the village and prove it's never quiet with a Barton boy back in town."
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.