A New Scandal Brews in the Dales
Emmerdale fans are buzzing with speculation after spotting undeniable chemistry between Mackenzie Boyd (Lawrence Robb) and Ross Barton (Michael Parr). What began as an unlikely friendship could soon spiral into another shocking betrayal, as viewers predict Mack may cheat on wife Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) — this time, with the man she had an affair with.
It’s a storyline twist worthy of the Dales’ most dramatic love triangles. With Ross recently revealed as the father of Charity’s baby, the stage is set for a tangled web of secrets, revenge, and heartbreak that could rock the Dingle clan all over again.
“The Ultimate Twist”
On-screen, Mack and Ross have been growing closer, sharing banter and bonding in ways that have fans raising their eyebrows. Their new friendship has been highlighted in several scenes that viewers say feel “charged” with tension.
Taking to social media, fans have flooded X (formerly Twitter) with theories. One user wrote: “Okay, I’m not gonna lie — I can see Emmerdale getting Ross and Mack involved in an affair… as the ultimate FU to Charity lol.”
Another echoed the sentiment: “Yay Ross and Mack! Their chemistry is unreal. It would totally blow up the Dingle family.”
A third fan teased: “I can see them having an affair of their own. The angst when the truth comes out will be insane.”
Others joked that Mack and Ross’s sudden “bromance” can only end one way — in chaos. “A Mack and Ross friendship? We all know that’s going to pot when the truth about the baby comes out,” one viewer posted.
The Dingles Caught in a Love Web
If the fan theories prove true, this potential affair could be one of Emmerdale’s most explosive storylines yet. Mackenzie’s complicated marriage to Charity is already hanging by a thread after her betrayal with Ross. Should Mack strike back in kind — and with the same man — the fallout would be nothing short of catastrophic.
The tension between Ross and Mack has also been building beneath the surface, with hints of rivalry and attraction layered into their interactions. As the truth about the baby’s paternity lingers over them, any emotional connection could easily ignite into something forbidden.
Fans Dream Up Alternate Pairings
Not everyone is convinced by the Ross and Mack rumours. Some fans are instead rooting for another unexpected romance — Mackenzie and Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).
One fan argued: “Mackenzie is the only man on Emmerdale who truly values Aaron and not for selfish reasons. Give Charity Ross or Vanessa, and let Aaron and Mack be together. A friends-to-lovers arc would be epic!”
Others took the speculation even further, suggesting that Aaron and Kev Townsend — Robert Sugden’s new love interest — might have history of their own. “I feel like Aaron and Kev have actually slept together before,” one user theorised. “They’re gonna turn the tables on Robert!”
What’s Next for Mack and Ross?
ITV has yet to confirm any romance storyline between Ross and Mack, but with the Dingles’ lives already in disarray, another affair could push things to breaking point.
Whether this bond turns romantic or remains a ticking time bomb of rivalry, one thing is certain — Emmerdale fans are hooked.
If an affair does unfold, it wouldn’t just destroy Mack and Charity’s fragile truce, it could ignite a full-blown Dingle family war.
