Emmerdale's Laurel Thomas and Gabby Thomas are once again competing for the same man, as history repeats itself in the village. This time, the object of their affection is Ross Barton, played by Michael Parr, who has recently started working at Home Farm.
Gabby's Crush on Ross
Gabby has developed a crush on Ross ever since he began his new job. However, Ross is known for flirting with everyone, and Gabby has misinterpreted his playful charm as genuine interest. When Ross asked to meet with her, she hoped he would make a move, but instead he asked her to be Sam Dingle's dance partner. Disappointed but determined, Gabby threw herself into rehearsals at The Hide, believing it would impress Ross.
Ross and Laurel's Tension
During a rehearsal, Ross and Sam hid behind a wall to watch Lydia Dingle practice. When Sam dashed away, Ross was left alone, appearing to be eyeing up Gabby. This annoyed Laurel, who confronted Ross outside and grabbed his wrist. He claimed she hurt him, referencing a previous boxing injury, but it seemed like an excuse to get Laurel alone. At Mulbery Cottage, Ross enjoyed winding Laurel up, and after he left, she allowed a tiny smirk.
History Repeats Itself
This isn't the first time Laurel and Gabby have fancied the same man. In 2022, Kit, played by Thoren Ferguson, arrived to assist Marlon Dingle with physiotherapy. Kit flirted with Laurel while also matching with Gabby on a dating app under the name Chris. When they discovered the truth, they both dumped him, and Kit left the village.
Actresses Charlotte Bellamy and Rosie Bentham recently discussed the recurring storyline. Charlotte said, 'She’s clearly going through a menopausal sexual awakening. And why not?' Rosie added, 'We’ve been in this situation before, haven’t we? With Kit. That was an awkward, funny story.'
Gabby's Dark Path
Rosie revealed that this rejection hits Gabby harder, leading her down a dark path. 'It makes her go, “yes, we’ve been here before”, but men are just not something that’s going well for Gabby at the minute. And it’s just the ultimate rejection, really.' Gabby, who ended her relationship with Vinny some time ago and has seen him move on, is now craving male validation but also wants to take control of her life. 'She starts trying to eat clean, and body image starts becoming really important to her. Unfortunately that does become a bit obsessive.'
Rosie added, 'I feel like she’s always had that want to prove herself. Then getting rejected on top of that, it spirals.' The storyline explores how a seemingly healthy focus on health can become an obsession.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.
