Who is Ross Barton in Emmerdale and why has the character played by Michael Parr returned

EMMERDALE viewers went wild when Ross Barton made an explosive return to the soap after six years away.

The legendary character, played by actor Michael Parr, is now back in the Dales, much to the show’s fans’ delight.

ITV

ITV

The actor left the village in 2018 after a devastating acid attack[/caption]

Ross Baton was arrived in Emmerdale in 2013, and instantly became a fan favourite.

He previously had two brothers living in the village with him, Pete and Finn, and his half-brother Adam Barton.

However, they have all since left the soap.

In 2017, Ross’ mum Emma Barton was murdered by her former sister-in-law Moira Dingle.

The farmer never faced justice for the killing, and it has remained a secret.

Ross’ aunt Moira and her son Matty Barton, plus his son Moses who he shares with Charity Dingle, are the only relatives he still has in the village.

Rocky romances

Ross is well known by Emmerdale fans for his relationships with Donna Windsor and Debbie Dingle.

His first relationship sadly ended when Donna took her own life, when she fell off the roof of a car park.

Ross was left absolutely devastated by her death, and struggled to cope.

He later began a secret affair with Debbie Dingle, who was engaged to his brother Pete at the time.

This ended when it was revealed that Ross had a one night stand with Debbie’s mother, Charity, conceiving baby Moses.

Dangerous games

Ross was involved in some dangerous storylines, which including him plotting to murder his brother Pete.

One of his final plots saw him fall victim to an acid attack.

This followed with a heart-wrenching storyline which saw him battle with depression during his recovery.

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Leaving the Dales

Ross was last seen in Emmerdale in 2018.

He was seen leaving the village when he decided get a fresh start in Liverpool along with his girlfriend, Rebecca White, and her baby son Seb.

Ross is a very feckless character, and he’s always got an eye open for a quick buck.

Actor Michael Parr

Ross originally planned to take Moses with him, but Charity found out and threatened to take him on in court.

He hasn’t been seen or heard of since, until now.

Ross’ big comeback

On October 28, 2024, Ross made an explosive comeback to the Dales.

He returned during an unlicensed boxing match, where he was revealed as Billy Fletcher’s opponent.

Fans are now keen to know how he will reconnect with his family and past enemies in the village.

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Ross Barton actor

Ross is played by actor Michael Parr, who was born in Saint Helens, Merseyside, on August 6, 1986.

He learnt his craft at the famous performing arts college, East 15. in Essex, and graduated in 2008.

Since leaving Emmerdale, he has starred in some big dramas including Douglas Is Cancelled and The Long Shadow.

Speaking to ITV about Ross’ big comeback, Mike said: “Ross is a very feckless character, and he’s always got an eye open for a quick buck, and there’s money to be made in this Bare Knuckle thing.

“And I also have to think about somebody with the psyche of Ross, somebody who’s lost his mum, lost his dad, lost his brother.

“What kind of mind frame are you in when you’ve lost all those people?”

ITV

With Ross also having a past connection to Billy’s wife Dawn, Mike teased: “There’s always going to be a rivalry if there’s a potential love interest in the middle of it all.

“He’s really met his match because Billy’s much younger and more athletic than Ross is.”

Addressing a possible romantic reunion with former flame Charity, the actor said: “You really can’t hate somebody who’s doing a great job of raising your most beloved possession.

“But it’s Ross, and it’s Charity. There’s always going to be fireworks.

“They’ve got the history, but is there still a spark there?

“And does Ross want to rekindle? Or is he just doing it because there’s a stepfather role in Moses’ life now, and that is obviously not going to play well with Ross.”