Emmerdale star Michael Parr has teased 'exciting' scenes ahead for Ross Barton, as the actor returns to filming after taking a 'sabbatical'. Ross has been at the centre of major storylines in the past year, after sleeping with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) and getting her pregnant.
The timing of their dalliance couldn't have been worse, as Charity had agreed to act as a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) and Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant). Devastatingly, the IVF was unsuccessful, and Charity ended up falling pregnant with Ross's baby. Not wanting to break Sarah's heart, Charity decided to pretend that everything had gone to plan and handed the baby over to Sarah and Jacob when she was born.
Charity's secret revealed
However, in recent scenes, Charity finally came clean to Sarah about baby Leyla's real parentage, which utterly destroyed their relationship. Learning the truth left Sarah and Jacob terrified about their future with Leyla, but Ross put them at ease when he assured them that he had no intention of seeking custody of Leyla.
While the drama has continued on screen, actor Michael Parr told Metro that he has been off work for the past couple of months, leaving him out of the loop in terms of what's ahead.
A new side to Ross
'All I know is it's going to be exciting, but I think you're going to see a different side to Ross in the next few months,' he teased. 'He used to be a bit of a bad boy, but now he seems to be a bit lighter and funnier.'
As we discussed which side of Ross we'd prefer to see, Mike added: 'I'd like [Ross] to beat someone up, but do it while making a joke. And for a good cause!'
Supporting Cure Usher Syndrome
We caught up with Mike at the Cure Usher Ball, an annual event organised by Emmerdale stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon in support of the charity Cure Usher Syndrome. Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes hearing and vision loss and, in some cases, affects balance. There is currently no cure.
The Kerry Wyatt and Daz Spencer actors have worked closely with the charity since 2023, when their children, Jesse, 5, and Ronnie, 3, were diagnosed with Usher Syndrome. Speaking about supporting the event, Mike said: 'We're so proud of [Laura]. It's bittersweet because ultimately we are trying to raise money for a very serious cause, but I think Laura and Mark should be proud of their achievements because I certainly am.'
