Ross Barton is set to make a welcome return to the village in forthcoming episodes and with his return plot under wraps, fans think they know what brings him back to Emmerdale

Emmerdale viewers think they have rumbled Ross Barton’s comeback plot after pointing out a potential link to another villager.

Last month, the ITV soap confirmed that bad boy Ross (Michael Parr) is heading back to the famous village six years after he left. Actor Michael first joined the hit ITV soap back in 2013 and he was known for his tumultuous relationships with the likes of Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb).

In 2018, Ross left the village with Rebecca White (Emily Head) and her son Sebastian White to start a new life in Liverpool. Ross has often been mentioned off-screen due to his son Moses with Charity (Emma Atkins).

But Ross is making his way back to the village as the ITV soap teased: “With old wounds still to heal, his presence in the village is likely to stir up feelings and ignite some new rivalries.”

Meanwhile, Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle) has been taking part in underground boxing to make some quick cash.

One dodgy bout left Billy badly injured and needing medical assistance from local paramedic John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) at the request of worried pal Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb).

Mackenzie warned Billy he was “digging himself a hole” with all the deceit towards Dawn (Olivia Bromley), and suggested he could end up being more injured if he carried on.

While Billy was considering hanging up his boxing gloves, promoter Jade (Twinnie-Lee Moore) paid him a surprise visit and insisted he take part in more fights.

Later, Billy and Dawn were discussing their financial woes as their baby son battles leukaemia. Realising their funds were short of what they needed to pay their bills, Billy was left with no option but to re-enter Jade’s boxing venture.

In a curious call, Billy was heard querying: “What was that you said about an offer I can’t refuse?”, as Dawn is unaware of her husband’s money-making scheme.

Billy’s dangerous decision has sparked rumour among Emmerdale fans who think his next opponent will be Ross Barton, who also was once in a relationship with Dawn.

Taking to Facebook, one Emmerdale fan wrote: “Just had a thought, Ross Barton left Emmerdale and in real life started a fighting career, Billy in Emmerdale now is currently fighting for money in secret. I reckon maybe the Ross Barton come back storyline is that he ends up being one of Billy’s opponents?.”

A second replied: “You could be on to something here”, while a third chimed in: “Good theory, will we get to see him semi-naked?”.

“I like it…also an ex of Billy’s missus Dawn”, pointed out one fan.

While another added: “Ross used to do the bare-knuckle fighting too. I’m sure Aaron and Pete stopped him once.”

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV and ITVX