Fans have been gripped — and horrified — by April’s recent ordeal, which has seen her manipulated by Ray Walters (Joe Absolom) and Celia Daniels (Jaye Griffiths) into a dark world of exploitation and coercion. After weeks of fear, guilt, and trauma, it looks like help may finally be on the horizon — but in true Emmerdale fashion, that help could come with devastating consequences.
“There’s going to be hell to pay”
Speaking on Inside Soap’s weekly Soap Scoop podcast, Michael Parr confirmed that Ross will soon be drawn into the storyline — and hinted that his alter-ego won’t take kindly to the monsters who’ve hurt April.
“I think that is starting to be released in the scripts soon,” Parr teased. “We’ve always had a connection. She was such a talented little four-year-old [when she joined the show]… and now she’s basically the face of the show and wins all the awards! It’s been amazing to see her grow up.”
Michael went on to praise Amelia Flanagan, who plays April, calling her “a very thoughtful young woman” and “an amazing actress.” But when it comes to what happens next, he suggested that fans might soon see a familiar, dangerous side of Ross resurface.
“I imagine when Ross does find out, there’s going to be hell to pay,” he warned. “If Ross is provoked and you hurt the wrong people around him, the old Ross is gonna come out.”
“Ross has shot people – he’s not one to be trifled with”
Viewers will remember that Ross Barton has a long and violent past — one that he’s spent years trying to escape. But it seems that April’s trauma may be the thing that pulls him back into his darker instincts.
“Ross has shot people, so he’s not one to be trifled with!” Parr laughed. “Ross’s thing is that he’s physically violent. He’s a good fighter and he’s not scared of anyone… but he’s not that smart! Ray and Celia are clever, but if they cross him in the wrong place, they’re going to come off worse. It’s brains versus brawn.”
What’s next for April, Ray, and Celia?
The April storyline has already been one of Emmerdale’s most emotionally challenging in recent memory. After being manipulated into criminal activity and nearly assaulted, the teen’s future hangs in the balance. Fans have been pleading for her to finally find safety — and for those responsible to get their comeuppance.
If Ross does indeed find out what’s been happening, it looks like that justice might not come through the law — but through Ross’s fists.
“I love working with Joe [Absolom] and Jaye [Griffiths],” Parr added. “They’re both incredible, and if Ross does end up going after them… it’s going to be explosive.”
With Emmerdale promising darker twists ahead and Ross’s return to full force, fans should brace themselves — because revenge is coming to the Dales, and Ross Barton is ready for war.
