Exciting news is on the horizon for Emmerdale fans — and this time, it’s not just a shocking twist in the village! Mike Parr, known for his electrifying role as the complex and often troubled Ross Barton, has shared a deeply personal and heartwarming announcement: he and his partner, Isabelle Du Plessis, are expecting their first child together.
The actor, who made headlines recently with his dramatic return to the Dales, took to Instagram with Isabelle to share the joyful news in a creative and emotional way. In a sunlit room by the beach, the couple posed for photos, with Isabelle lovingly holding her visible baby bump. What made the post even more touching was the message they etched into the sand: “MJP IDP soon 2B3,” symbolizing the imminent arrival of their third family member. The accompanying caption, “In our Mum & Dad Era,” marks a beautiful transition for the couple as they embrace this new phase of their lives.
Naturally, the announcement sparked an outpouring of love and well-wishes from fellow Emmerdale stars — both current and former. Jay Kontzle, Anthony Quinlan, and Jamie Dorrington were among the first to drop their congratulations in the comments. Actress Amy Walsh summed it up with a simple yet sweet “Cute,” while Lewis Cope added, “Love it mate,” showing his excitement for his co-star. In true cheeky fashion, Ned Porteous chimed in with a hilarious “Adopt me,” adding a bit of humor to the celebrations.
Support for the couple extended beyond the Emmerdale family, with stars from other beloved British soaps joining in. Jessica Ellis, known for roles in Hollyoaks and Coronation Street, showed her support with a trio of red heart emojis. Fellow Corrie actress Sair Khan echoed everyone’s excitement, writing: “The best era!!! Congratulations guys!!!” Even Heartstopper actor Bradley Riches, who recently joined Emmerdale as Lewis, Ross’ brother, couldn’t resist commenting on the post. He wrote, “Mum and dad are hella sexy,” bringing a playful and affectionate tone to the growing number of celebratory messages.
As Parr enjoys this happy moment in his personal life, fans are also thrilled to see him back in action on-screen. His return to Emmerdale as Ross Barton has stirred up intense drama and set the stage for emotional storylines. One of the central elements of Ross’ return is his developing bond with his long-lost brother, Lewis, played by Bradley Riches. In a recent interview, Parr delved into Ross’ evolving relationship with Lewis and the emotional struggle behind their connection.
According to Parr, Ross initially keeps his distance and finds it difficult to connect. He’s haunted by a painful past, especially the repeated loss of loved ones that has left him emotionally guarded. But Lewis, with his honest and unfiltered personality, begins to break down Ross’ walls. “You’ll see that the character is quite infectious and it’s hard for Ross to say no to him, because he is very pure and it reminds him of Finn,” Parr explained. The mention of Finn, Ross’ late brother, highlights the emotional undercurrent running through this storyline. Lewis’s innocence and unwavering support offer Ross something he hasn’t had in a long time — a sense of family and belonging.
Ross has been through more than his fair share of heartache over the years. From losing two girlfriends to the deaths of four close family members, his life has been shadowed by tragedy. It’s left him questioning whether he’s somehow cursed — as if everyone he grows close to ends up paying the price. This is what makes his connection with Lewis so poignant. For the first time in a long while, Ross has someone in his corner, someone who believes in him without judgement or fear.
Parr’s portrayal of Ross has always struck a chord with viewers, largely due to the emotional depth and raw vulnerability he brings to the role. His latest scenes with Bradley Riches promise even more heartfelt drama, as the two characters navigate the rocky path of brotherhood, grief, and redemption. The introduction of Lewis adds a fresh dynamic to Ross’ narrative arc, giving him a chance at healing and perhaps even a sense of peace.
While fans eagerly anticipate what’s next for Ross in Emmerdale, Mike Parr’s real-life journey into fatherhood adds an even deeper layer of meaning to his portrayal. The actor’s announcement couldn’t have come at a more symbolic time, as both Ross and Mike are stepping into new roles — one fictional, one deeply personal. Whether on-screen or off, it’s clear that this is a transformative chapter for the beloved star.
As the soap world continues to buzz with reactions to the baby news, the future looks bright for both Mike Parr and his growing family. With the love and support of friends, co-stars, and fans behind them, Mike and Isabelle are stepping into parenthood with hearts full of hope and excitement. And for Emmerdale viewers, the real-life joy only adds to the emotional resonance of the character they’ve come to root for over the years.
It’s a season of change, both on and off the screen — and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
