Ross Barton’s return to Emmerdale will be explosive says Moira star Natalie J Robb – who hints at dramatic Dales moment

EMMERDALE legend Michael Parr is set to return to the Dales as Ross Barton six years after he quit.

Actor Michael, who first joined Emmerdale in 2013 is set to reappear on screen later this year.

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Michael Parr at the British Soap Awards in 2016.[/caption]

ITV

Ross Barton is stunned when he is confronted by suspicious Moira Dingle[/caption]

The character has been away for six years, and in true Emmerdale fashion, his return is expected to be ‘explosive’.

Excited viewers are eager to see how he will reunite with Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb). Moira, who is battling a brain tumour, will need all the help she can get.

Yet viewers will remember there is bad blood between them as Moira actually killed Ross’ mum, Emma (Gillian Kearney).

In an interview with The Radio Times, Natalie hinted that that his return will ‘cause trouble’.  

“I’ve been speaking to the producers and there’s going to be quite a few explosive moments,” she teased.

“Although not in the literal sense after the last barn fire! Let’s just say there will be a few surprises along the way…”

In 2018, Ross left the village with Rebecca and baby Seb for a fresh start in Liverpool after a five-year stint.  But now he is back – and expect fireworks.

Since his exit, Michael has had roles in various dramas, including The Long Shadow, but is now excited to return to Emmerdale.

The show’s fans started speculating after a playful video was posted on Emmerdale’s social media platforms. The caption on Emmerdale’s post read: “Brad’s on the hunt for a returning cast member… but who is it?! #Emmerdale @itv @itvxofficial @wearestv.”

This led to frantic fans speculating that it was Ross and Michael recently confirmed that this was true, saying: “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’s return will no doubt create fireworks.”

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 going to shake up the village and prove it’s never quiet with a Barton boy back in town.”

Darkest soap storylines

Over the years the likes of EastEnders, Emmerdale and Coronation Street have all tried to try outdo each other with their outlandish plots in a bid to keep us tuning in each week. But here are some of the darkest that had fans in shock…

EastEnders: Tony grooming Whitney (2008-2009) – Tony King first appeared in Albert Square in 2008 as the boyfriend of Bianca, played by Patsy Palmer. But it was quickly revealed he was a paedophile who had been grooming vulnerable Whitney, Bianca’s adopted stepdaughter from a previous relationship, since she was 12. The shocking storyline attracted more than 200 complaints within a week of it beginning. Whitney waited until her 16th birthday to reveal the truth to a horrified Bianca, who called the police.

Emmerdale: Holly’s drug addiction and shock death (2010-2016) – In 2010, Holly Barton (played by Sophie Powles) became Emmerdale’s first teenage drug addict. The shocking storyline saw her taking cocaine on a night out before developing a deadly heroin habit. Parents John and Moira desperately tried to help get their daughter clean but when Holly returned in 2016, following a four-year absence, she quickly relapsed. Fans were left stunned and heartbroken when distraught Moira found Holly dead in her bed from a heroin overdose.

Hollyoaks: Luke’s rape (2000) – Actor Gary Lucy was just 17 when he took on this groundbreaking storyline, which saw his character Luke Morgan become soap’s first male rape victim. Luke had endured a long-running bullying campaign by football rival Mark Gibbs – who raped him after Luke stood up to him. Luke was left suicidal following the brutal attack, before opening up to his brother Adam. Gibbs was sentenced to eight years in prison. Gary won the Best Actor gong at the British Soap Awards in 2000 for his performance.

Coronation Street: Evil Richard Hillman (2001-2003) – Just a mere mention of ‘Richard Hillman’ is enough to send a shiver down the spines of soap fans. He is often ranked one of the most evil soap villains and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth-talking financial adviser bashed his ex-wife Patricia over the head with a shovel. In a bid to keep his mother-in-law Audrey quiet, he set fire to her house. And when Maxine caught him trying to murder Emily Bishop, he took a crowbar to her head. He made his exit from the cobbles in 2003 when he drove Gail Platt, played by Helen Worth, and her family into the canal. They survived, but he didn’t.

During his time on the show, Ross was also known for his tumultuous relationships with Donna Windsor and Debbie Dingle.

His first relationship led to 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.

Ross later began a secret affair with Debbie, who was engaged to his brother Pete. This ended when it was revealed that Ross had a one night stand with Debbie’s mother, Charity, conceiving baby Moses. 

Ross also became involved in many dangerous schemes including a plot to kill his brother Pete, but is most notably remembered for the heart-wrenching storyline which saw him battle with depression during his recovery from a devastating acid attack.

His presence in the village is likely to provoke emotions and spark new rivalries due to lingering old wounds.

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.