Ross Barton is set for a surprise romance in Emmerdale, and it's not with Charity Dingle or Gabby Thomas. Instead, the mechanic will embark on a 'little dalliance' with Laurel Thomas, according to show producer Laura Shaw.
Speaking to Inside Soap, Shaw revealed: 'Well, funnily enough, we know he loves an older woman, so there’s going to be a little dalliance between Ross and Laurel! But what we’re also seeing is Gabby beginning to become a little bit smitten with Ross – so we’ll see how she reacts when she finds out that the other woman in Ross’ life is Gabby’s stepmother!'
The news comes after Ross's recent flings with Manpreet Sharma and Charity Dingle, the latter resulting in a pregnancy. Charity gave birth to baby Leyla, but she and Ross are keeping the true parentage secret, with villagers believing the baby is Sarah and Jacob Sugden's.
Shaw also addressed the baby scandal's future, warning it will be 'huge and tear the family apart'. She added: 'You really feel for Sarah and Jacob, especially now Leyla has been born, as they’re just so happy as a family. It’s going to be very difficult to come back from.'
Despite the drama, Shaw hopes Charity and Mackenzie Boyd can survive: 'They’ve been through so much, and because we know the audience love them as a couple as well, I really hope they can find a way through it.'
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
