Ross Barton actor Michael Parr receives love for his role in Emmerdale
It’s never a quiet Christmas in soap land, and ITV’s Emmerdale have already dialled up the drama ahead of Christmas Day.
Monday’s (23rd December) episode showed conflict between Marlon Dingle and Ross Barton, as Marlon was upset with the latter’s friendship with his teenage daughter April.
Ross got involved in some trouble with fight promoter Jade who believed he stole the £10,000 from the fight between him and Billy. April is the daughter of the late Donna Windsor, Ross’ former girlfriend and so she was used as bait to convince Ross to cough up the cash.
He received a video from Jade showing April at the same location where Donna (unbeknownst to April) died. Ross drove over to rescue the teenager, and found her close to the edge of the rooftop car park.
Once April was saved, Ross opened up to her about how her mum Donna really died, the truth was hidden from her by dad Marlon. Afterwards, April begins to spiral and goes against Marlon’s wishes by finding Ross a place to live through giving him the keys to Tall Trees.
Marlon pins Ross to the wall after he finds texts on April’s phone trying to buy cannabis, and her dad blames Ross for this act of rebellion. He threatens Ross, asking him to put an end to his friendship with April.
Viewers saw April head over to Ross for support as she tells him: “He’s (Marlon) read through all my texts.” In light of the promise he made to Marlon, Ross dismissed April and replied: “It’s not really my problem, is it?”
April attempts to further confide in Ross, telling him that he’s one of the only people she can talk to.
At the end of his tether, Ross shouted: “I’ve had enough of this. Since when did I become your shoulder to cry on? I’m not your friend am I? I just went out with your mum for a bit.
“It’s got to stop. Do you think I get a kick out of listening to your teenage whining? You’ve got a dad who actually cares about you, so go and tell him because I don’t have the time or the interest.”
Fans of the ITV soap took to Emmerdale’s Instagram to praise the star, @skycandlestix wrote: “Tough love that’s what that’s called. I agree with him.” @69jewels added: “My heart goes out to Ross”. @poncholaperle echoed: “It’s so sad. I like Ross and everyone is down on him.”
Ross Barton surprised fans by making an unexpected return to the show in October. He was reintroduced as the opponent for Billy’s unlicensed boxing match.
He was last seen in 2018 as he decided to leave the village for a fresh start in Liverpool with his then-girlfriend Rebecca White and her son Seb.
It’s been fireworks since the character returned, particularly between Ross and Charity who share a son Moses. Speaking about his return to the show, actor Michael Parr admitted: “Ross is a very feckless character, and he’s always got an eye open for a quick buck.”
Emmerdale is on tonight at 7pm on ITV1.
