Michael Parr

Michael Parr (born 6 August 1986) is an English actor. He is known for his role as Ross Barton in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. He initially appeared in the soap from 2013 to 2018, returning in 2024.

Early life Parr was born in St Helens, Merseyside. His mother is American and he holds dual U.S. and British nationality, enabling him to work in the U.S. without the need of a Green Card if he wished. He trained at the Elizabeth Hill School of Dance and Drama in St Helens and the East 15 Acting School in Essex, graduating in 2008.

Prior to being cast in Emmerdale, Parr worked between acting jobs as a learning support assistant in a special educational needs school. He also worked as a barman. In September 2025, Parr had his first child, a daughter, with girlfriend Isabelle Du Plessis.

Career

Parr made his first appearance in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale in July 2013, playing an unnamed man who carjacked regular character Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). It was only after his return to the show in October 2013 that his true identity was revealed. His character, Ross Barton, is one of three sons of James Barton (Bill Ward), as well as the nephew of Moira Barton (Natalie J Robb). During his first stint in Emmerdale, Parr was involved in a number of high-profile storylines, including an affair with policewoman Donna Windsor (Verity Rushworth); taking part in a violent robbery at Home Farm; an illicit affair with his brother's fiancée (later wife), Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb); and secretly fathering a child with Debbie's mother Charity Macey (Emma Atkins). In 2018, Ross Barton was the victim of an acid attack, leaving the character badly scarred. Parr described the storyline as challenging.

In October 2015, Parr won awards for Best Actor, Best Bad Boy and Sexiest Male at the 2015 Inside Soap Awards. In early 2018, it was announced that Parr would be leaving Emmerdale later that year. In September 2023, Parr appeared as Paul Hughes in the ITV1 drama The Long Shadow, alongside Katherine Kelly.

In September 2024, Emmerdale confirmed that Parr would return to the role of Ross later that year, following a six-year absence.

Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 2009 No Way Through Soldier 2011 Queensbury Rules Liam 2011 A Beautiful Impurity Gobba 2013 Brothers in Arms Chris 2014 Territory Keiren 2016 Cain Hill Arnie 2017 Dark Ascension 'G' 2019 The Eighty Fourth Narrator 2021 Our Home Adam Wood 2021 Mister Mayfair: Serena's Game Lister 2023 Ocean Deep Adrian 2025 Single People at the End of the World Mike

Television Year Title Role Notes 2011 Inside Men PC Mayfair 1 episode 2012 Doctors Kyle West Episode: "Echo Chamber" 2012 Good Cop Adam Riley 1 episode 2012 Casualty Mark Satchmore Episode: "The Kindness of Strangers" 2012 Hollyoaks Billy Parker 1 episode 2013–2018, 2024–present Emmerdale Ross Barton Regular role 2020 Bulletproof Ben Woodall 1 episode 2022 Colosseum Senator Olybruis Episode: "The Pagan" 2023 The Long Shadow Paul Hughes 1 episode 2024 Douglas Is Cancelled Sebastian 1 episode