In a twist literally none of us were expecting for a Tuesday afternoon, Emmerdale has confirmed Mike Parr is returning to the ITV soap as Ross Barton.

In a video posted by the Emmerdale X account, Bradley Johnson – who plays Vinny Dingle – can be seen wandering around the Emmerdale building looking for the returnee.

Bradley goes on a pretty extensive search in makeup, press and costume, but remains completely oblivious to the fact Mike is in the background of most of the shots!

Michael Parr played Ross Barton from 2013-2018. Father to Charity’s (Emma Atkins) son Moses, Ross left the village alongside Rebecca White for a new life in Liverpool.

Ross was involved in countless hard hitting storylines, including affairs, heists and even a controversial dognapping plot.

One of his most harrowing storylines saw him become the victim of an acid attack, after ex Debbie (Charley Webb) hired someone to rough up Joe Tate, but they got the wrong man.

Ross is the son of James and Emma Barton, making him the nephew of Moira (Natalie J Robb).

It’s possible that Ross is returning as part of Moira’s new health storyline. The beloved character was recently told by a doctor that she has a type of brain tumour called a meningioma.

The symptoms of this type of tumour include changes to personality, confusion, memory loss and seizures, all of which Moira has been experiencing in the past few weeks.

Although the tumour is non-cancerous, it has left Moira apprehensive about her future and concerned about the possibility of surgery and other treatments.

Could Ross make his way back to the Dales to support the family?

And with Ross returning, what does this mean for Mack (Lawrence Robb) and Charity?