{"id":34706,"date":"2025-03-20T20:15:19","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T20:15:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/?p=34706"},"modified":"2025-03-20T16:18:25","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T16:18:25","slug":"ross-is-the-best-character-in-emmerdale-right-now-heres-why-the-village-bad-boy-deserves-more-opinion","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/news\/ross-is-the-best-character-in-emmerdale-right-now-heres-why-the-village-bad-boy-deserves-more-opinion\/","title":{"rendered":"Ross is the best character in Emmerdale right now, here&#8217;s why the village bad boy deserves more &#8211; OPINION"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Returning to Emmerdale to much fanfare last year, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/tag\/ross-barton\/\">Ross Barton<\/a> has been the shot in the arm that the soap needed. At first glance, Ross appeared to be just another macho meathead, turning up as Billy got himself involved in a shady underground boxing ring.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-1st\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>With British soaps hardly lacking in the overly aggressive hardman department, it seemed as though Ross would be just another lunkhead, set to throw his weight around and feud with the various men of the village.<\/p>\n<p>And, for a while, it looked as though that may be the case. Returning to town, Ross immediately gave Mack a thumping and then attacked Will Taylor, on Kim\u2019s orders.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_12654\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-12654\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12654 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EMBARGO_EMM_ROSS_FIGHT_02-1-1024x712.jpg\" alt=\"Ross in the bareknuckle boxing ring about to fight\" width=\"1024\" height=\"712\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EMBARGO_EMM_ROSS_FIGHT_02-1-1024x712.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EMBARGO_EMM_ROSS_FIGHT_02-1-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EMBARGO_EMM_ROSS_FIGHT_02-1-768x534.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EMBARGO_EMM_ROSS_FIGHT_02-1-1536x1069.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2024\/10\/EMBARGO_EMM_ROSS_FIGHT_02-1-2048x1425.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-12654\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ross returned to Emmerdale last year (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:min-h-[300px]\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"ad-slot1\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>Ross Barton \u2013 Emmerdale secret weapon?<\/h2>\n<p>However, in the months which followed, it became increasingly clear that Ross is much more than just another Cain Dingle wannabe. Somewhere, between the one-liners, the beating up Mack and Joe, and his sweet friendship with April, he\u2019s emerged as my favourite character on the soap right now.<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s why Ross Barton is the best thing to happen to Emmerdale since\u2026 well, the last time he was in Emmerdale.<\/p><section class=\"widget block-30 widget_block mb-4\"><div class=\"mb-3 stories-slider-container overflow-hidden w-[100%] max-sm:w-[108%] max-sm:ml-[-15px]\" data-items-visible=\"2\">\n  <h3 class=\"w-full text-center mb-5 uppercase\">article continues below<\/h3>  <div class=\"grid md:grid-cols-5 grid-cols-6\">\n          <a class=\"!no-underline col-span-4 mr-5 cursor-pointer mb-3 hover:!bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] block [-webkit-tap-highlight-color:transparent] uppercase\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/category\/spoilers\/\">\n        <h2 class=\"font-[var(--font-v-font)] text-[var(--color-v-primary)] font-bold !text-2xl flex flex-row place-content-baseline !mb-0 max-sm:ml-[10px]\">\n          <span class=\"flex-initial mr-2 transition-all duration-300 hover:-translate-y-1 ease-in-out !leading-[var(--title-line-height)]\">Read all the latest spoilers<\/span>\n          <span class=\"mt-auto mb-2 self-baseline h-1 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] block w-[100%] flex-1\"><\/span>\n        <\/h2>\n      <\/a>\n    \n\n\n\n\n    \n    <div class=\"rounded-tl-xl md:rounded-tr-xl bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] flex flex-row gap-4 md:col-span-1 col-span-2 justify-center pt-2\">\n      <button class=\"prev-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] items-center justify-center text-sm transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer\" href=\"#\" alt=\"right\">\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"w-5 h-5 justify-self-center inline\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M15 19l-7-7 7-7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n      <button class=\"next-btn h-8 w-8 rounded-full bg-[var(--color-v-white)] hover:bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] hover:text-[var(--color-v-white)] font-bold items-center justify-center transition delay-50 duration-100 cursor-pointer \" href=\"#\" alt=\"left\">\n        <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"w-5 h-5 justify-self-center inline\" fill=\"none\" stroke=\"currentColor\" stroke-width=\"3\" viewbox=\"0 0 24 24\"><path stroke-linecap=\"round\" stroke-linejoin=\"round\" d=\"M9 5l7 7-7 7\"><\/path><\/svg>\n      <\/button>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  \n  \n  <div class=\"px-[10px] bg-[var(--color-v-footer)] rounded-none md:rounded-l-xl md:rounded-br-xl max-sm:pb-3\">\n    <div class=\"stories-slider-viewport group overflow-x-auto relative scroll-smooth\">\n      \n      <div class=\"invisible md:block slide\">\n        <img class=\"h-[250px]\" src=\"https:\/\/placehold.co\/1x250\" alt=\"placeholder\">\n      <\/div>\n      \n      <div class=\"stories-slider-track top-[10px] max-sm:h-[233px] absolute flex flex-row flex-nowrap transition-all duration-300 ease-in-out\">\n                              <div class=\"story-item flex-none slide\">\n              <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:hidden dbxgas:md:block dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-desktop\"><\/div><\/div>            <\/div>\n                    <div class=\" md:ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/paddy-bear-dylan-face-jury-on-trial\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Emm-Banners-ExclusiveOp-Templates-11.jpg\" alt=\"Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Mon, May 4<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Paddy, Bear and Dylan face the jury as they go on trial<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">2 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/kevs-comeback-dawn-exit-return-sadie-king\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/News-split-2026-04-10T172033.421.jpg\" alt=\"Kev's comeback, Dawn's exit and the 'return of Sadie King'\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\">Upcoming<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Kev's comeback, Dawn's exit and the 'return of Sadie King'<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">2 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/joe-exposes-dawn-big-secret-paddy-faces-his-last-night-village\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DATE-split-2026-04-30T131946.383.jpg\" alt=\"Joe exposes Dawn's big secret and Paddy faces his last night in the village\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Fri, May 1<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Joe exposes Dawn's big secret and Paddy faces his last night in the village<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">3 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/moira-recruits-dawn-todd-beds-hope-bear\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Fan-theory-Split-36.jpg\" alt=\"Moira recruits Dawn, Todd beds in and hope for Bear\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Thu, Apr 30<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Moira recruits Dawn, Todd beds in and hope for Bear<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">4 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/dont-worry-that-was-not-moira-revenge-joe-emmerdale-spoilers-confirm-real-plan-next-week\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/News-split-2026-04-28T153547.115.jpg\" alt=\"Moira's real plan confirmed after letting Joe live\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\">May 4 - 8<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Moira's real plan confirmed after letting Joe live<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">5 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n                            <div class=\" ml-3  w-[200px] max-sm:w-[180px] story-item flex-shrink-0\">\n            <a class=\"!no-underline relative h-[100%] block !text-[var(--color-v-text-gray)] hover:!text-[var(--color-v-primary)] transition delay-150 duration-150 ease-in-out\" href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/spoilers\/cain-moira-crisis-revelation-leaves-family-distraught\/\">\n              <div class=\"relative\">\n                <img class=\"rounded-xl !my-0 md:w-[200px] md:h-[133px] max-sm:w-[180px] max-sm:h-[120px] object-cover mb-3\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2026\/04\/DATE-split-2026-04-28T132835.379.jpg\" alt=\"Cain and Moira in crisis as his revelation leaves the family distraught\">\n                                                   <span class=\"!text-[var(--color-v-white)] text-xs rounded-xl px-2 py-1 absolute bg-[var(--color-v-primary)] bottom-3 left-3\"> Wed, Apr 29<\/span>                <\/div>\n              <h4 class=\"!font-semibold !text-sm md:!text-base !leading-[var(--title-line-height)] mt-2 max-sm:line-clamp-5 line-clamp-4 text-base font-semibold\">Cain and Moira in crisis as his revelation leaves the family distraught<\/h4>\n              <span class=\"text-xs text-[var(--color-v-primary-dark)] align-baseline absolute bottom-2\">5 days ago<\/span>\n            <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n              <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"story-item mx-auto flex-none md:hidden sm:block w-[300px]\">\n    <div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden dbxgas:mb-0!\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle-mpu\"><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<figure id=\"attachment_34708\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34708\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-34708 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg\" alt=\"Ross pointing at Joe looking angry\" width=\"1024\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Emmerdale-1300x679.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Emmerdale-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Emmerdale.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-34708\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Na-na-na-na\u2026 Ross (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>He\u2019s hilarious<\/h2>\n<p>If there\u2019s one thing actor<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/tag\/michael-parr\/\"> Michael Parr<\/a> has showcased since his return to the soap, it\u2019s a sense of comic timing. What separates Ross from the rest of the gangsters and hardmen in soapdom, is that he\u2019s genuinely very funny.<\/p>\n<p>Whether it\u2019s putting on a ridiculous posh voice to report Kammy to the police last night (Wednesday, March 19), or pulling up a pew to enjoy the showdown between Mary and Vanessa last week, Ross is consistently hilarious.<\/p>\n<p>Even when he\u2019s engaging in typical hardman business, he manages to do so with a sense of humour. Just look at his kidnapping of Joe Tate \u2013 describing himself as \u2018like Batman\u2019 to Charity afterwards.<\/p><div class=\"my-5 boxout\"><div><h2 class=\"!text-2xl p-3 !my-0 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\">Don't miss a single story! Add us as a Preferred Source in Google for all your Emmerdale news<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"p-3 bg-[var(--color-v-primary)]\/50 text-base\">It's important to us that you never miss our articles when searching for stories! We have all the latest TV news &amp; schedules to share with our community of loyal readers.\r\n\r\nClick\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q=tvguide.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.google.com\/preferences\/source?q%3Dtvguide.co.uk&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw26YBpjtwUOaDOV8IYgQAmD\" data-track=\"preferred-source\" data-placement=\"article_body\"><b>here<\/b><\/a>\u00a0and tick\u00a0<strong><a href=\"http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/tvguide.co.uk\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1771925084739000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3Uu9xte1Ig7bDiZNlkPjpu\">TVGuide.co.uk<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0to ensure you see stories from us first in Google Search.<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Or his delivery of \u201cI don\u2019t know if that\u2019s an insult or not\u201d when Joe described him as being \u2018perspicacious\u2019 (to be fair, I also had to look it up). In a time when British soaps are getting more and more depressing, Ross brings a much-needed element of comic relief.<\/p>\n<p>Your average Cain Dingle or Phil Mitchell could never.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_27694\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-27694\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-27694 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ross-April-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg\" alt=\"Ross talks to April at Donna's graveside \" width=\"1024\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ross-April-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ross-April-Emmerdale-1300x679.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ross-April-Emmerdale-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Ross-April-Emmerdale.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-27694\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ross and April\u2019s friendship has brought all new warmth to the character (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>He has depth<\/h2>\n<p>Since returning to the village, Ross began to bond with his ex\u2019s daughter, April Windsor. One might argue that her disappearance was partly his fault \u2013 burdening her with the bombshell<a href=\"https:\/\/emmerdale-insider.com\/2024\/12\/04\/emmerdale-donna-windsor-romance-ross-barton-tragic-death\/\"> that her mum had killed herself<\/a> \u2013 but their scenes together have been genuinely warm and sweet.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>Helping Marlon in the search, Ross proved that he was about more than just looking after number one. And, as he reunited with April at Donna\u2019s grave afterwards, the resulting scenes were some of the best the soap has aired this year.<\/p>\n<h2>Ross is one of the most interesting characters on Emmerdale<\/h2>\n<p>An acid attack survivor, painkiller addict and thug with a heart of gold, Ross is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2025\/03\/10\/ross-barton-emmerdale-affair-with-debbie-acid-attack-why-returning-now\/\">one of the soap\u2019s most interesting personalities<\/a>. Although he may have reverted back to type since his return, his previous stint showed that he is capable of growth and reflection.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>The soap would do well to utilise more of that history and growth we all know is beneath the surface.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_34710\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-34710\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-34710\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Charity-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg\" alt=\"Ross glares at Mack while Charity stands in the background\" width=\"1024\" height=\"535\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Charity-Emmerdale-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Charity-Emmerdale-1300x679.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Charity-Emmerdale-768x401.jpg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Ross-Charity-Emmerdale.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-34710\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The friction between Ross and Mack has been delicious (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>He has chemistry with <em>everyone<\/em><\/h2>\n<p>Spotting a spark between the pair when he returned last year, many fans were quick to speculate that a Charity and Ross affair was on the cards. Sure, their chemistry is off the charts, but that\u2019s just part of the Ross Barton charm.<\/p>\n<p>Ross has chemistry with just about everyone he shares a scene with \u2013 telling Mack to \u2018go polish your tractor\u2019 earlier this week, for instance. And, going back to his kidnapping of Joe, he even managed to make the never-ending \u2018did Joe spike Noah\u2019 saga seem a bit more interesting.<\/p>\n<p>Today\u2019s episode saw Ross find a job on Home Farm under Kim Tate, proving that he could even melt the ice Queen herself.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<h2>He\u2019s a dolt<\/h2>\n<p>Returning amid Billy\u2019s bareknuckle boxing story, it seemed as though the soap was setting up Ross as yet another fearsome hardman. And how did Ross react? By immediately getting knocked out cold by Billy.<\/p>\n<p>Ross\u2019s comic incompetence has become a recurring theme. Going to rescue April from Jade, <a href=\"https:\/\/emmerdale-insider.com\/2024\/12\/06\/jade-kidnaps-april-and-viewers-slam-car-crash-of-an-episode\/\">only to be bailed out by Mack and Aaron<\/a>; threatening Will and accidentally \u2018killing\u2019 him instead; nearly killing Joe by locking him in the barn; having to dispose of Kim\u2019s nicked horse; nothing ever goes to plan for poor Ross.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>The man\u2019s uselessness is endearing, and another reason why his return has been anything but a failure.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_31475\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-31475\" style=\"width: 1024px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-31475 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.emmerdale-insider.com\/uploads\/2025\/03\/18_03_emm_sarah_kammy_ross_01-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Sarah defends Kammy to Ross\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\"><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-31475\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ross clashed with Kammy (Credit: ITV)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>What\u2019s next for Ross in Emmerdale?<\/h2>\n<p>While Ross\u2019s return has been entertaining, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tvguide.co.uk\/emmerdale-insider\/2025\/03\/11\/emmerdale-ross-return-has-been-a-letdown-fans-blast-5-things-soap-can-do-to-put-him-back-on-top\/\">there\u2019s no denying that he\u2019s been a bit wasted since coming back<\/a>. Reduced to a henchman for Kim and Charity, he\u2019s featured in major storylines, but yet to have one of his own.<\/p>\n<p>Between the character\u2019s rich history in the soap and actor Michael Parr\u2019s performance, Ross deserves a chance to shine. Thankfully, tonight\u2019s episode seemed to hint at bigger things for Ross.<\/p>\n<p>A job as security for Kim should put him in the thick of the action. What fresh chaos will the business partnership of Ross and Kim bring? Well, Dawn and Joe will want to watch their backs for starters.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p>The soap also hinted at a future relationship with Kammy, whose theft of Kim\u2019s horse left even Ross shocked. Kammy\u2019s winning few friends at the moment but, when things settle down, one can imagine he\u2019ll make a fun sidekick for Ross.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, now he\u2019s been dumped by Steph, he\u2019s free to be with someone as fun and interesting as he is. A Charity reunion, perhaps? Or someone new, and on his page?<\/p>\n<p>With things on the up for Ross, let\u2019s give him the the future in Emmerdale he deserves! Or, failing that, more jokes at Mack\u2019s expense will do.<\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/emmerdale-insider.com\/2025\/03\/05\/whos-leaving-emmerdale-2025-complete-guide-departures-returns-new-arrivals\/\">Who\u2019s leaving Emmerdale in 2025? A complete guide to departures, returns and new arrivals in the Dales<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><b> Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am. <\/b><\/p>\n<p><b> Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm. <\/b><\/p><div class=\"dbxgas:ad-container dbxgas:double-mpu-container dbxgas:block dbxgas:md:hidden\"><div class=\"dbxgas:slot\" data-ad-slot=\"inarticle\"><\/div><\/div>\n<p><b><i>What do you think of our story? Visit our Facebook page<\/i><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/profile.php?id=61563250212838\">\u00a0<b><i>@emmerdaleinsider<\/i><\/b><\/a><b><i> and let us know what you think!<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ross is one of the soap&#8217;s most interesting characters<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":249734186,"featured_media":34728,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"Emmerdale Ross","_yoast_wpseo_title":"Ross is the best character in Emmerdale right now, here's why the village bad boy deserves more - OPINION","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Returning to Emmerdale to much fanfare last year, Ross Barton has been the shot in the arm that the soap desperately 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