Emmerdale’s Ross Barton is emotionally as well as physically scarred by the vile acid attack and actor Michael Parr has revealed how tough it is to play.
Emmerdale’s Ross Barton has lost his jack-the-lad persona since the horror of the acid attack and now he’s completely lost, actor Michael Parr has revealed to Soaplife.
What’s the story?
Ross Barton has been a shadow of his former self since he had acid thrown in his face. Gone is the cocky ladies’ man and in his place is a scared and agoraphobic shell of a man... He's finding it difficult to deal with.
People want to help, but all Ross wants is revenge. “He wants to find the attacker,” actor Mike Parr told Soaplife.
But if Ross ever finds out the truth about the attack and the fact that ultimately it's all down to his ex, Debbie Dingle, it will hurt him even more.
What’s happening in Emmerdale? See the latest soap storylines
Soaplife’s interview with Michael Parr about Ross Barton
Soaplife: How does Ross feel about life now?
Michael Parr: “He is feeling really down. The only family he has left is Pete and they were never that close. There is a new Ross forming, one who has no confidence and doesn’t know how to face the world any more. Ross used to be so arrogant. He was a big head about his looks and they’ve been taken away. He is also terrified to leave the house.”
S: How is he coping?
MP: “He’s not really. He is drinking a lot as that provides escapism. It numbs the physical pain and he is in constant agony and it takes him away from the world he is in, which is a very small world. He feels very alone and trapped and these are new emotions for him.”
S: What is the worst thing about the attack for him?
MP: “It has taken away his identity. The cocky, aggressive and arrogant Ross is no longer there and people are trying to give advice to the old Ross. The worst thing is, he doesn’t feel he can see his son Moses at the moment as the little lad kind of shied away from him at the hospital.”
S: Has it been tough to film?
MP: “I am acutely aware of the fact that real people have been through things like this, not just acid attacks, but events that have left them scarred, especially to the face. Everybody recognises you by your face and when that is taken away it reduces you to nothing, or at least that is how Ross feels. The hardest emotion to play is feeling alone. Ross is a well-rounded character and if the audience just feel sorry for him then I am not doing my job right.”
S: How will he react if he finds out that Debbie was behind the attack?
MP: “I can’t imagine he is going to be too pleased. She has been lying, saying she’ll help find his attacker. Also he thinks she she’s supporting him because she still has feelings for him, so it is kind of leading him on as well.”
Emmerdale, ITV
