Michael Parr, best known for playing Ross Barton on Emmerdale, has had a love life that often makes headlines. The actor joined the ITV soap and quickly became a fan favourite, with his character involved in dramatic storylines like surviving an acid attack and returning for illegal boxing in 2024. On screen, Ross has had many romances, including a one-night stand with Charity Dingle that led to pregnancy. Off screen, Michael's relationships have also attracted attention.
Michael's romance with Emmerdale co-star
A couple of years after joining the show, Michael started dating Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden, in secret. The pair kept their relationship low-key, rarely posting pictures together on social media. In 2016, they went Instagram official. Michael shared a birthday tribute for Isabel, writing: 'Happy 24th birthday to this little one. Who woulda thought that 5’2 (and a half) could pack so much love, devotion and attitude. Thank you for being the most wonderful and caring best friend a boy could ask for. Love you to the moon and back. X.'
Michael and Isabel's split
In 2019, Michael and Isabel split after three years, following Michael's departure from Emmerdale to try his luck in America, while Isabel stayed on the soap. A source told The Sun: 'They drifted apart and felt it was better to be mates. He has been throwing himself into his social life and has just been on a lads’ hol and she is focusing on work, they’re both young and want to follow their dreams. They had a meaningful relationship and they'll remember the good times.'
Michael's new romance
After the split, Michael found love in 2023 with Isabelle Du Plessis after meeting on the dating app Hinge. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Suzie Rose Par, in September 2025. Isabelle shared photos on Instagram introducing their daughter, with Michael beaming as he held her. Earlier this year, Michael proposed to Isabelle during a trip to visit her family in South Africa. The proposal nearly went wrong when Michael planned to pop the question on a safari if they saw elephants or giraffes at a watering hole. He told The Mirror: 'I said to her family, “If we see elephants or giraffes at the watering hole, I'll take that as the sign to pop the question.”' Isabelle, unaware, said: 'He kept asking me to go on this bushwalk and I was like, “I've done bushwalks before. I'm not that into it, but I think you should go.”' Michael added: 'You were literally stopping your own proposal.' Despite the hiccup, the engagement went ahead.
