Emmerdale heartthrob Michael Parr is making a highly anticipated return as Ross Barton, the village’s notorious bad boy. It was recently announced that Parr would be reprising his role after nearly six years away from the ITV drama.
Since his debut in 2013, Michael Parr quickly became a favorite among fans, thanks to Ross’s involvement in gripping storylines, including complex relationships with Donna Windsor (Verity Rushworth) and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb). Long-time viewers will recall Ross’s brief affair with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), Debbie’s mother, which resulted in the birth of their son, Moses.
Reflecting on his comeback, Michael shared his excitement: “I’m thrilled to be returning to Emmerdale. Ross is a character I hold dear, and I’m eager to discover what he has been up to over the last five years.”
He teased viewers with a glimpse of what’s to come, stating, “After reading the scripts, I can’t wait for the audience to see what’s in store. One thing is for sure: Ross’s return will definitely stir things up.”
Away from Emmerdale, Michael has found romance with Isabelle Du Plessis, publicly announcing their relationship on Instagram in July with a sweet photo of the couple in Santorini.
This new relationship follows his split from fellow Emmerdale actress Isabel Hodgins, known for playing Victoria Sugden, with whom he reportedly had a secretive relationship before going public for three years.
During his hiatus from the show, Michael enjoyed romantic trips and focused on his fitness, sharing impressive before-and-after photos of his transformation online. In a 2022 Instagram post, he reflected on turning 36, mentioning a tough year where he suffered from back issues just before a move and a job in Morocco.
He noted, “In the second picture, I was in pretty bad shape. My hips were out of alignment, I had a trapped sciatic nerve, and I injured my C2 and C3 vertebrae. I thought I’d be in pain forever.”
Michael has since adjusted his fitness routine, stating, “I quit the gym and have just been working out with dumbbells at home. I feel stronger and better than ever now, maintaining a good diet, fasting, and taking cold showers, all in moderation.”
As for Ross’s motivations for returning to the village, and Charity’s response to Moses’s father coming back, fans will have to stay tuned to find out.
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