Hold on to your hats, Emmerdale is blowing things wide open with the latest unexpected romance. We know those Emmerdale writers love an odd couple, but the local farmyard scallywag and the former vicar’s wife was not one we had on our bingo card.
Ross Barton (Michael Parr) has had a few unexpected romances in his time. His one with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) is the one that probably comes with the most regrets. In more recent times he had a surprising little dalliance with local doc Manpreet Sharma (Rebecca Sarker) and caused a few jaws to hit the floor when he did the walk of shame. That last one set him up as a lover of older women, but his latest conquest is a right old revelation. Laurel.
Yes, you read that right, bad boy Ross is about to get it on with almost whiter than white Laurel Thomas (Charlotte Bellamy). Ever a surprise is our Ross.
Lately, Ross has been too busy for romance, trying to come to terms with the fact he fathered a baby with Charity but has to pretend he didn’t. Sex might be the perfect distraction.
At first, it looks like he’s got the hots for Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham), but that’s a misdirect. He asks to meet with her and she misinterprets it as him wanting to get into her pants. In actuality, he wants to ask her to be Sam Dingle’s (James Hooton) dance partner as he’s been secretly trying to learn to impress wife Lydia (Karen Blick).
Laurel spots a little spark between Ross and Gabby and as she considers Ross bad news, she firmly warns him off. But Ross loves a good wind-up and senses he’s got under Laurel’s skin. At a dance class where Lydia shows off her moves with Bob (Tony Audenshaw), Ross is there watching – and though he’s really supporting Sam, Laurel assumes he’s eyeing up Gabby. Oh no no no, she is not having that. He receives the classic Laurel pointy finger and admonishing glare as she has yet more firm words with him about keeping his distance.
Sam is feeling low at how well Lydia performed, knowing he’ll never be as good, and is pretty down on himself. Ross tries to boost him and Sam comments that Ross is always there when he needs him. Ross makes a cheeky comment that it might not always be the case as he gives Laurel a subtle eye. It becomes clear that it’s Laurel he’s after, not Gabby.
Laurel is left a little confused herself as she clocks Ross’ flirting, and realises she’s enjoying it – does she…like him? She better tell Gabby if she does because Gabby is confessing her feelings for Ross to Lewis right now (Bradley Riches).
Now we also know Laurel has a penchant for bad lads (case in point: people trafficker Ray Walters), so perhaps her pairing with Ross isn’t as surprising after all.
But when Gabby wants something, she gets it. With Ross still hanging around Home Farm as Kim’s dog’s body, Gabby grabs the opportunity to don a slinky night gown and try to flirt her way into Ross’ pants. One thing Gabby doesn’t do well is embarrassment. Despite her throwing herself at him, Ross gives her a firm no. How will Gabby take being rejected? And worse, how will she take to her step mum making moves on the lad she likes?!
