Michael Parr returns as Ross Barton in Emmerdale, sparking fan theories of another character comeback

Emmerdale fans are speculating that Ross Barton's reappearance in the village could trigger the return of another character.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that Michael Parr will be reprising his role as Emmerdale's notorious bad boy Ross, six years after his departure from the village.

Michael, 38, first joined the popular ITV soap in 2013, where he became known for his turbulent relationships with Donna Windsor and Debbie Dingle. His relationship with Donna tragically ended in her suicide, when she fell off a car park roof with criminal Gary North. Ross was left heartbroken by Donna's death.

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Subsequently, Ross embarked in an affair with Debbie Dingle, who was engaged to his brother Pete. However, in typical soap opera fashion, this came to an end when it was disclosed that Ross had a one-night stand with Debbie's mother, Charity, resulting in the birth of baby Moses, reports Leeds Live.

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 to which Michael wrote in response: "I wish I could reveal all but I'd be fired before I even started if I did. :)."

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.