Emmerdale spoilers follow. The article contains discussion of sexual misconduct.
Emmerdale star Michael Parr has hinted that his character Ross Barton could soon have an important role to play in April Windsor’s dark storyline. Fans have been speculating over whether Ross could be involved in saving April from her ongoing ordeal with fearsome Ray Walters and Celia Daniels.
Fans have watched in horror as Ray and Celia have exploited April over the past few weeks, manipulating her into thinking that she owes money to a criminal gang. April has been trying to “repay” her supposed debt by dealing drugs – but has also faced pressure to sleep with Ray and Celia’s male clients against her will.
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Ross has largely been absent from the disturbing plot so far, aside from a brief scene where April considered telling him the truth. However, Michael has now told Inside Soap‘s weekly Soap Scoop podcast that this could change in the not-too-distant future…
“I think that is starting to be released in the scripts soon,” Michael explained. “So I don’t know what’s going on with it, but we’ve always had a connection.
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“She was such a talented little four-year-old [when she joined the show]. It was just like: ‘Well, she’s an amazing as a four-year-old. Where does it go?’ And now she’s basically the face of the show and she wins all the awards and stuff!
“So it’s more like, I’m grateful just to be part of her storylines now. We get on like a house on fire as well. She’s a very thoughtful young woman and it’s been a joy to watch her grow up. She’s still an amazing actress.”
On the possible consequences for Ray and Celia if Ross becomes their enemy, Michael continued: “I imagine when Ross does find out, there’s going to be hell to pay. I love working with Joe [Absolom, who plays Ray] and Jaye [Griffiths, who plays Celia] as well.”
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“I think if Ross is provoked and you hurt the wrong people around him, the old Ross is gonna come out,” he continued. “I did see a comment online the other day that said ‘Ross is a creep and a sociopath’. Ross has shot people, so he’s not one to be trifled with! Ross’s thing is that he’s physically violent. He’s a good fighter and he’s not scared of anyone. He’s just not that smart!
“But those two are smart but probably aren’t as physically imposing. If they get caught in the wrong part of the farm, and there’s no one around, they’re going to come off much worse. So it’s a good good mix of brain versus brawn, I think!”
The full interview with Michael in the Soap Scoop podcast is streaming at the top of the page, covering everything from Ross and Charity’s baby twist, to the upcoming Corriedale crossover. The episode also explores the big twist from April and Marlon’s special standalone episode on Tuesday night.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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