Fans of Emmerdale were left reeling this week as Ross Barton’s relationship with Steph Miligan took a sudden turn, culminating in her exit from the village. But according to the actor behind Ross, Michael Parr, viewers should brace themselves for even more drama as his character’s storyline takes unexpected twists.

Ross and Steph’s Rocky Romance

This week, it seemed like Ross and Steph’s romance was back on track after months of turmoil. However, Ross’s failure to come clean about a one-night stand with Manpreet Sharma proved to be the nail in the coffin for their relationship. Steph’s departure from the village left Ross heartbroken and guilty, but Michael Parr hints that this is just the beginning for his character.

A Sneak Peek Into the Future

In an exclusive interview at the Inside Soap Awards 2026, Michael teased that fans should expect plenty of surprises ahead for Ross Barton. “I know that there’s going to be a lot more fun, there’s going to be a lot of surprise reveals, and just constant drama,” he revealed. These cryptic words have left fans eagerly anticipating what’s next for Ross, especially with his history of being embroiled in high-stakes drama.

A New Side to Ross

While Ross has long been known as Emmerdale’s “bad boy,” Michael Parr’s recent nomination for Best Comic Performance shows a lighter, more comedic side to the character. “I came back as Ross Barton the bad boy, but it turns out that he’s got a bit of a comedic side and I really love it,” Michael shared. This unexpected shift in Ross’s character adds a fresh dynamic to his on-screen presence, with Michael admitting that making people laugh now brings him even more satisfaction than tugging at their heartstrings. “When I meet people in the street and they tell me that what I’ve done has made them laugh, I think that means more to me now than when they used to say, ‘that scene with Donna made me cry,’” he explained.

Ross and Lewis: A Dynamic Duo

The return of Ross’s long-lost brother, Lewis Barton, played by Bradley Riches, has also added a new layer to Ross’s character. Michael praised his co-star’s charisma and the dynamic they share on-screen. “When they told me I was getting a brother, I immediately assumed it was going to be Pete,” Michael said. “Then they told me it was going to be the lovely Bradley, and when he came on set, he just walked in with this effulgent grace. He was so charismatic and so much fun, and the audience have loved him – but not as much as I have enjoyed working with him.”

A Year of Growth

It’s been almost a year since Michael reprised his role as Ross after a six-year absence, and the transition back into the character wasn’t without its challenges. “It was quite nerve-wracking really, and it was more to do with remembering the lines,” he admitted. “But once I settled into it and found my rhythm, I was just so grateful to be back. Every day I count my blessings.”

Why Emmerdale Deserves the Win

When asked why fans should vote for Emmerdale in the Best Soap category, Michael spoke passionately about the show’s positive atmosphere. “We work so hard. Emmerdale in particular is such a beautiful place to work. Everybody that comes to work here, cast and crew, always leaves with a smile on their face. So that is why we deserve the win.”

As Ross Barton faces yet more challenges, viewers can rest assured that Michael Parr is bringing a fresh mix of drama and humor to his character. The future of Ross Barton is bound to be filled with surprises, and we can’t wait to see what’s in store.

Stay tuned to Emmerdale for more of Ross’s journey, and don’t miss out on Michael Parr’s brilliant performances that continue to captivate audiences!