Emmerdale star Mike Parr has melted hearts once again after sharing a heartfelt “one-month” update about life with his newborn daughter, Suzie. The actor, best known to fans as Ross Barton, opened up about fatherhood in a moving Instagram post — and his Emmerdale family couldn’t help but share their love and support.
A Month of Pure Joy
Mike, who became a dad for the first time in September, marked the milestone with a tender reflection on the past four weeks. Sharing a sweet photo of himself holding baby Suzie just hours after her birth, the actor described the life-changing emotions that have come with parenthood.
“Somehow spending time with Suzie makes time stand still. Somehow holding Suzie makes me feel held. Somehow feeding her makes me feel full,” he wrote. “How have I never been so exhausted and yet never felt so alive? Realising that I have to raise her to live without me knowing that I’ll never be able to live without her. The oxymoron of love!”
He revealed the image was taken “a few hours after she was born,” while her mum, Isabelle Du Plessis, slept nearby. “One month old today and the best month of our lives. We love you,” he added.
Support and Love From Co-Stars
Mike’s emotional post quickly drew a flood of warm messages from Emmerdale co-stars and soap friends alike. Among the first to respond was his on-screen brother Bradley Riches, who plays Lewis Barton, writing: “Love Suzie and you so much.”
Fellow cast members Beth Cordingly (Ruby Milligan) and Vanessa Woodfield (played by Michelle Hardwick) both chimed in with: “Beautiful.”
Former Emmerdale actress turned Coronation Street star Natalie Anderson also joined in, commenting: “Awww gorgeous! Congratulations!”
A Journey Full of Love and Strength
Mike and his partner Isabelle announced their daughter’s arrival on September 21, sharing a series of family photos. The actor later praised Isabelle for her strength, revealing she endured the “particularly cruel” condition Hyperemesis, which causes extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy.
Reflecting on those early days, Mike shared a touching message about how becoming a father has redefined his understanding of love:
“Life before you seems so meaningless. You have changed what the word love means to me… There’s not a day that will go by when I don’t show you how much you mean to me.”
From Soap Drama to Real-Life Joy
Mike first joined Emmerdale in 2013, quickly becoming a fan favourite before his emotional departure in 2018. His return to the soap last year as Ross Barton thrilled viewers — but off-screen, his biggest role yet is clearly as a devoted dad.
With his castmates showering him in love and his fans celebrating alongside him, it’s clear Mike’s next chapter is one filled with happiness, gratitude, and endless baby cuddles.
