An Emmerdale favourite could be getting killed off in a shock twist, fans have predicted after a giveaway clue in the ITV soap

Emmerdale viewers are certain a beloved villager is about to get killed off.

Ross Barton (Michael Parr) made his debut back in 2013 – and it didn’t take him long to become a hit with fans. As the village bad guy, Ross played a part in several big storylines over the years.

He famously had turbulent relationships with Donna Windsor (Verity Rushworth), Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) and Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins). What’s more, in 2018, he was the victim of a horror acid attack.

That same year though, it was confirmed that actor Michael was leaving the soap. However, this year, Ross made his epic comeback – much to the delight of fans.

And it hasn’t taken him long to get involved in some Dales drama. He rocked back up as part of an underground illegal fighting club – who took on villager Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle).

Things took a dramatic turn when boss Jade (Twinnie-Lee Moore) had cash stolen from her – and thinking Ross was the one who stole it, went to sick measures to get her cash back.

Jade and her thugs ended up kidnapping April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan), threatening to kill her if they didn’t get the cash back. Luckily, Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller) and Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) showed up – with the latter confessing it was him who stole the cash.

Later on, a fuming Ross beat up Mackenzie – much to the horror of his son Moses who watched on. Moses’ mum and Mack’s wife Charity has since vowed to not let Ross see Moses anymore, and even a few of the villagers demanded to “get rid of him.”

Now, fans can’t help but think the soap is setting up a shock murder twist involving Ross. On an Emmerdale Facebook fan page, one person mused: “What is the plan for Ross? Are the villagers planning to kill him?”

Other people soon chimed in to agree, with a second person writing: “It looks like it.” Another penned: “I actually like Ross kinda sad when they said they wanna get rid of him.” A third chimed in: “If they kill him off not sure I will watch it again. Love him.” A fourth person wrote: “Well yes maybe, nearly everyone in the village has killed someone, so no change there.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm