Emmerdale icon confirms ‘exciting’ return after months away

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Emmerdale star Michael Parr has teased ‘exciting’ scenes ahead for Ross Barton in Emmerdale, as the actor returns to filming after taking a ‘sabbatical’. Ross has been involved in some major storylines in the past year, after sleeping with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) and getting her pregnant. The timing of their dalliance couldn’t have been worse, as Charity had agreed to act as a surrogate for granddaughter Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) and Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant). Devastatingly, the IVF was unsuccessful, and Charity ended up falling pregnant with Ross’ baby. Not wanting to break Sarah’s heart, Charity decided to pretend that everything had gone to plan and handed the baby over to Sarah and Jacob when she was born. However, in recent scenes, Charity finally came clean to Sarah about baby Leyla’s real parentage, which utterly destroyed their relationship. Ross Barton assured Sarah Sugden that he wouldn’t seek custody of Leyla (Picture: ITV) Learning the truth left Sarah and Jacob terrified about their future with Leyla, but Ross put them at ease when he assured them that he had no intention of seeking custody of Leyla. While the drama has continued on screen, actor Michael Parr told Metro that he has been off work for the past couple of months, leaving him out of the loop in terms of what’s ahead. ‘All I know is it’s going to be exciting, but I think you’re going to see a different side to Ross in the next few months,’ he teased. ‘He used to be a bit of a bad boy, but now he seems to be a bit lighter and funnier.’ Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. As we discussed which side of Ross we’d prefer to see, Mike added: ‘I’d like [Ross] to beat someone up, but do it while making a joke. And for a good cause!’ Metro chatted to Michael Parr at the Cure Usher Ball (Picture: FARRELL / BACKGRID) We caught up with Mike at the Cure Usher Ball, which is an annual event organised by Emmerdale stars Laura Norton and Mark Jordon in support of the charity Cure Usher Syndrome. Usher Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that causes hearing and vision loss and, in some cases, affects balance. There is currently no cure. The Kerry Wyatt and Daz Spencer actors have worked closely with the charity since 2023, when their children, Jesse, 5, and Ronnie, 3, were diagnosed with Usher Syndrome. Deals of the Day I tried L'Oréal Paris's new PDRN serum and my skin looked glossier after one use This new Cricut gadget turns your favourite photos into stickers in minutes From kitchen hatches to burgundy walls – the biggest home trends for 2027 Oodie’s cosy blanket sale has arrived just in time for Christmas shopping Save over £700 on Simba's top-rated mattresses in this limited-time sale Speaking about supporting the event, Mike said: ‘We’re so proud of [Laura]. It’s bittersweet because ultimately we are trying to raise money for a very serious cause, but I think Laura and Mark should be proud of their achievements because I certainly am.’ Arrow MORE: Emmerdale’s Ross and Corrie’s Tracy finally meet in deleted scene that never made it to air Arrow MORE: Emmerdale’s Katie Hill confirms Sarah’s revenge on ‘dead’ Charity after Leyla reveal The Soaps Newsletter – Weekly Sign up for exclusive spoilers and interviews, handpicked by our Soaps Editor.