There’s a familiar face back in the village this week, as Ross Barton (Michael Parr) has returned to Emmerdale after six years.
Actor Michael Parr has reprised his role as the heartthrob, with his comeback scenes airing on the ITV soap Monday.
While Ross’ return had been previously announced, Emmerdale bosses had not revealed how and when it would happen prior to transmission – so it was a surprise for fans when he popped up at the end of the episode.
Shock scenes saw Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) – who has been taking part in illegal underground fights to keep a roof over his and wife Dawn Taylor’s (Olivia Bromley) heads – left speechless after discovering that the person he’d be squaring off against was none other than Ross.
But if you’re in need of a recap on Ross’ last stint in the village, here’s the lowdown…
What happened to Ross Barton in Emmerdale?
Ross Barton arrived in Emmerdale with a bang back in 2013 when he hijacked Laurel Thomas’ (Charlotte Bellamy) car.
Over the course of his five-year stint in the Dales, Ross was involved in countless hard hitting storylines, including affairs, heists and even a controversial dognapping plot.
Memorably, Ross was revealed as the father of Charity Dingle’s (Emma Atkins) son Moses Dingle in a ‘Who’s the father?’ plot back in 2015.
He then embarked upon an affair with Charity’s daughter Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), who was engaged to his brother Pete Barton (Anthony Quinlan) at the time.
After Pete found out, he attacked Ross and mistakenly believed he had killed his brother and buried his body in nearby woods.
However, Ross staged a classic soap ‘return from the dead’ when it was revealed he’d actually survived and was being treated in hospital – much to Pete’s shock.
Ross later sought revenge on Pete, kidnapping him and tying him to a bridge to make it look like he’d taken his life.
But the brothers faced later heartache with the death of their father James Barton (Bill Ward), and the murders of their mother Emma (Gillian Kearney) and brother Finn (Joe Gill), who were killed by their aunt Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb).
Another harrowing plot saw Ross become the victim of an acid attack, after ex Debbie hired someone to rough up Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), but they got the wrong man.
Ross left the village in 2018 alongside Rebecca White (Emily Head) and her son Seb for a new life in Liverpool.
Where has Ross Barton been since leaving Emmerdale?
In an interview with Metro to tie in with his return to Emmerdale, Michael said fans would not find out what Ross has been up to since we last saw him ‘straight away’ – but teased there was ‘history’ with Rebecca to be explored.
He said: ‘The writers have five years of story time to come up with! Where was he, was he a good boy, what drama has he brought back with him, has he made any enemies?’
What else has Michael Parr said about Ross Barton’s return to Emmerdale?
Of Ross’ forthcoming storylines, Michael told Metro: ‘It’s a lot of action, a lot of fisticuffs!
‘You can expect a lot of action, Ross putting his finger on peoples’ chests and knowing where to poke, him just being his usual lovable, horrible, manipulative self!’
Speaking about how the character has changed, Michael added: ‘I think underneath it all, due to his rough start in life, being on the run, his relationship with his dad, his brother, his mum and dad and his girlfriend dying, he has suffered a lot of trauma.
‘The same character is there, he’s a little bit more mature, he’s been through so many things – it’s the same but different.’
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and from 7am on ITVX.
