Emmerdale favourite Michael Parr, who recently made an exciting return as Ross Barton after six years away from the ITV soap, has expressed his wish to see a certain character brought to life in the Dales.
The 38-year-old actor, who recently shocked fans with his dramatic comeback revealed during an unlicensed boxing match as Billy Fletcher’s rival portrayed by Jay Kontzle, has implied that there could be unfinished business and potential new drama ahead following his re-entry into the mix.
Michael Parr, chatting with the Daily Record, mentioned that the Barton’s are a diminishing clan on the show. He expressed his keen interest in seeing Nana Barton, a figure often spoken about but never seen, finally appear.
Delving into his thoughts, Michael said: “There was this character, a mythological Barton character called Nana Barton”, reports Leicestershire Live.
The actor shared his dream casting idea: “I would love it, this is not happening, but if Sue Johnston reads this please come to Emmerdale because it would be my dream to work with you after watching you for so many years on Brookside and The Royle Family.”
He went on to say: “I think she’s probably busy getting offers coming in left right and centre but if I could cast anybody to play a character that hasn’t been in the show yet then evil Nana Barton. Maybe she is loving.”
Recalling past tragedies within the show, he noted that Ross’ mother Emma (played by Gillian Kearney) shockingly murdered his father James (Bill Ward) back in 2016.
Emma then met a grim fate in 2017 after inadvertently causing the demise of another of her sons and Ross’ sibling, Finn (Joe Gill).
She was discovered at the Hotten Viaduct, where it ultimately emerged that Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) had caused her death by pushing her off, while her son and Ross’ half-brother, Adam Barton (Adam Thomas), fled after taking responsibility for the act.
Ross’ only remaining immediate family member who is available is Pete Barton, portrayed by Anthony Quinlan, who departed the village back in 2020 to join his brother Ross in Liverpool.
Reflecting on his on-screen sibling, Michael expressed his eagerness for Anthony to make a comeback to the drama as Pete.
He stated: “I’d love Quinny back, yeah. Because he had done Hollyoaks and stuff before, he’s not that much older than me, but he felt older when we got here because he had walked the walk with being on TV.
“There were so many things we didn’t know what to do, and didn’t know how to handle, and Quinny is a lovely, soft person to be around. So I would like it.”
Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX