Emmerdale announced this week that Michael Parr was returning to the ITV soap as Ross Barton after six years, and now viewers think they know why Ross comes back

Some Emmerdale viewers have predicted a sad twist for Ross Barton amid his return to the ITV soap very soon.

Michael Parr is believed to already be filming after reprising the role after six years way. It’s not known what leads to Ross’ return, but fans are fearing heartbreak ahead.

Ross’ aunt Moira Dingle has just been diagnosed with a brain tumour, so some fans are worried his comeback as linked to this plot. But others are wondering what has happened to his partner Rebecca White as it’s yet to be confirmed if she is returning too with her son Seb.

One theory is that Ross will only be returning as a hallucination amid Moira’s health battle. This doesn’t seem to be the case though given a comeback for Ross has been confirmed, with it teased chaos awaits.

Another theory is that in sad scenes offscreen Rebecca may have died. While this has not been confirmed, fans can’t see Ross and Rebecca splitting up so are fearing the worst.

Taking to X, one fan said: “Even if he’s only one of Moira’s hallucinations I’ll take it!” Another commented: “Is he mourning Rebecca!?!?”

Some Emmerdale viewers have predicted a sad twist for Ross Barton (Image: ITV)

A third viewer predicted: “Ross is being described as his old self and I just know he’s gonna be off the rails because Rebecca has died and is gonna hand Seb to Aaron and Vic. I’m not ready for Rebecca to be killed off please just bring her back.”

Michael refused to comment when a fan asked him about Rebecca, joking he would be fired if he revealed all. Speaking about his comeback recently, he spilled: “I’m over the moon to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I’m extremely fond of and I’m excited to explore what he’s been up to over the past five years. After seeing the scripts, I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing I can say is Ross’s return will no doubt create fireworks.”

Producer, Laura Shaw, added: “We are delighted to have Michael back at Team Emmerdale, playing the unforgettable and charismatic bad boy Ross Barton once again. Ross makes a huge impact from the first moment he arrives back on screen, immediately throwing some of our villagers’ lives into disarray. Chaotic, wild and reckless, Ross is absolutely going to shake up the village and prove it’s never quiet with a Barton boy back in town.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.