Emmerdale fans were treated to a surprise on Monday night as Ross Barton, portrayed by Michael Parr, made a dramatic comeback.

In an unexpected turn of events during an unlicensed boxing match in the episode aired on 28 October, Ross was revealed as Billy Fletcher’s, played by Jay Kontzle, opponent. His return to the village is expected to reignite old feuds and ignite new ones.

Ross’ reappearance may stir up feelings of nostalgia among long-term soap viewers as they reminisce about the Barton family. Sadly, before Ross left the village in 2018 with Rebecca White, played by Emily Head, most of his family had been written out of the show.

She was discovered at the Hotten Viaduct, where it was later revealed that Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) had pushed her to her death with her son and Ross’ half-brother, Adam Barton (Adam Thomas), fleeing after taking the blame, reports Leeds Live.

Ross’ only remaining immediate relative is Pete Barton, played by Anthony Quinlan, who departed the village in 2020 to join brother Ross in Liverpool. With Ross now back, it remains to be seen what Pete is doing and whether he might also make a return.

Outside of the ITV soap, Anthony, 40, who played Pete, has turned his attention to fitness. Following his departure from the popular ITV soap, he has launched a vegan supplements business and an online coaching service to help clients “lose weight and get lean”.

Anthony’s personal life is also going well, as he announced in 2022 that he is dating Hollyoaks actress Nikki Sanderson – the couple are still together and recently attended the Pride Of Britain Awards.

Meanwhile, actor Joe Gill, who played Finn from 2013 until the character’s demise in 2017, has taken on various roles since then. In 2020, the 30-year-old actor played Hareton Earnshaw in Wuthering Heights, and in 2022, he played a police officer in Brassic. He also recently participated in the autumn tour of Helen Forrester’s By The Waters Of Liverpool.