Emmerdale favourite Michael Parr has received an outpouring of love from fans and co-stars after celebrating a special milestone marking his first year back on the ITV soap.

A Triumphant Return to the Dales

Parr, who plays Ross Barton, made his surprise return to Emmerdale in October last year — six years after leaving the village behind. His comeback began in dramatic fashion, when Ross was spotted in an unlicensed boxing match with Billy Fletcher (Jay Kontzle), reigniting old rivalries and setting off new tensions in the village.

Ross originally exited the Dales in 2018, leaving for a new life in Liverpool with Rebecca White (Emily Head) after surviving a horrific acid attack orchestrated by Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb). The attack was meant for Joe Tate (Ned Porteous), who has also since returned to the soap.

Since coming back, Ross has found himself entangled in new storylines — helping April Windsor (Amelia Flanagan) cope with the truth about her late mum Donna, and becoming romantically involved with Steph Miligan, before that relationship ended earlier this year.

Michael Parr Reflects on His Journey

Taking to Instagram, Parr shared an emotional post reflecting on his first year since rejoining Emmerdale, alongside a photo from his comeback boxing scene.

“1 year since Ross returned and what a year it’s been for me professionally and personally.
Feeling very lucky, blessed, fortunate to be in the position I’m in. Thank you @emmerdale @itv and @itvxofficial.”

The actor also invited fans to reminisce on Ross’s biggest moments since his comeback, asking:

“Paid the cost to be the Ross!!! What’s been your favourite Ross Barton moment since his return?”

Fans and Co-Stars Flood Him with Support

It didn’t take long for Parr’s post to attract love from across the Emmerdale community.
Co-star Bradley Riches, who plays Kammy, commented:

“Has to be the brother bond LOVE YOUUU.”

Meanwhile, Shebz Miah joked:

“The one where Kammy has him on his toes after stealing the horse.”

Fans echoed the affection, praising Parr’s return and calling Ross one of the show’s “most iconic bad boys with a heart.”

A New Chapter On and Off Screen

Away from the cameras, Parr’s life has changed just as dramatically as Ross’s. The actor recently welcomed his first child, daughter Suzie, with partner Isabelle Du Plessis — a moment he’s described as life-changing.

Reflecting on how fatherhood has transformed his priorities, Parr told fans:

“I was 26 when I first got the job on Emmerdale, and it used to be all about the nightclubs and going out for pints after work. Now I’m entering dad mode. I like my tea and early nights.”

With Emmerdale continuing to explore Ross’s redemption and family ties, fans are already calling for even more storylines for the reformed bad boy. And judging by the reaction to Parr’s milestone post, his return to the Dales has been nothing short of a triumph.