Fans of Emmerdale have been feeling let down by the return of Ross Barton to the soap. His returning to the Dales last year was billed as something as a big deal, exploding back onto the scene as Billy got himself tied up in an underground bareknuckle boxing ring.
Since coming back, Ross has found himself at the heart of April Windsor’s story – rescuing her when she was kidnapped by gangster Jade, telling her the truth about her mum’s death, and pitching in to hep with the search when she disappeared.
He’s also acted as muscle for Charity, kidnapping Joe to get to the bottom of what he was up to with Noah – locking him up in a barn where he almost died. Ross is never far away from the action but still, some fans have been underwhelmed.
‘What’s the point in Ross?’ ask Emmerdale fans amid underwhelming return
Writing on a Reddit thread as Ross’s latest scenes aired, fans debated the merit of his return. And some were wondering whether it was failing to live up to the initial potential.
“Is anyone enjoying this guy being back?? I wasn’t watching when he was originally in it and I know he’s got quite the history but I don’t find him interesting or even likeable at all. He pretty much comes off as dumb thug and I don’t get what the plan is for the character as he’s just done a bunch of random things and helped out with the April crisis,” asked one fan.
“Love him and think he’s good fun. Just wish he had more to do,” said another.
“The character is there for eye candy plain and simple. the character has middle child syndrome and the emotional stuff I really don’t care or honestly buy it,” another agreed.
But how do we solve a problem like Ross?
What should Ross Barton do next on Emmerdale?
1. Spend more time with his family
It’s easy to forget that Ross is related to Moira – being her nephew-in-law via blood uncle John Barton. If his touching relationship with April has been anything to go by, his supportive and tender side is just as interesting as his badboy antics. So give him some scenes with Matty, for example, or let him be more present in Moira’s life.
2. Be a father to Moses
Similarly, Ross hasn’t been much of a presence in son Moses’s life lately – unless you count beating up the kid’s other father figure, Mack. Now that he’s sticking around, it would be good to see Ross make an effort with his son, showing some of the fatherly side he previously demonstrated with April.
3. Mourn Rebecca… properly
Fans were shocked to learn that, during their absence from the village, Rebecca had died during routine surgery. Since coming back, Ross hasn’t really opened up about how Rebecca’s death has affected him.
Granted, they had broken up by the time she died. But with his ex dead and Seb having been shipped off to a mystery aunt, there’s still some unresolved business there, and questions which need to be answered.
4. Ross should set up ties in the village, Emmerdale fans insist
Bare knuckle boxing and stealing vans from the depot aside, what does Ross do for work? He’s now a 35-year-old man, so should probably start thinking about getting a real job at some point. The whole bad boy routine has a limited shelf life – and even Cain Dingle had to calm down at some point.
“I don’t understand why he’s not working at the garage as I’m sure he’s a mechanic and the garage is called, “Dingle Barton,†because he received a share of it after Debbie’s acid attack,” one fan pointed out, in the same Reddit thread.
5. Give Steph the elbow
Both arriving in the village at roughly the same time, Ross soon hit it off with spoiled Miligan offspring Steph. While they make for a good-looking couple, one can’t help but wonder whether he could do better.
With some fans clamouring for Ross and Charity to rekindle their romance (if you could call it that), their explosive back-and-forth could give Ross some of the purpose he so needs.
Who would you like to see Ross with?
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm, with an early release on ITVX at 7am.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
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