Ross Barton (Michael Parr) opened up about his complicated family history in tonight’s Emmerdale, in an attempt to help Steph Miligan (Georgia Jay) feel better.
A few weeks ago, Steph learnt that her granddad Anthony is also her biological father, as a result of him sexually abusing Ruby (Beth Cordingly) when she was a child.
Steph hasn’t been able to get her head around this development, and is now experiencing problems with her self confidence.
A few days ago, she was in the pub looking at herself through the camera app on her phone. Her image then merged into one of Anthony’s, a reminder that Steph continuously sees him whenever she looks at her reflection.
She then googled plastic surgery, convinced changing her appearance would help her erase Anthony from her mind.
In tonight’s episode, Steph approached Ross and was finally ready to talk. After learning of Anthony’s secrets, Steph stopped seeing Ross, telling him that she isn’t who he thinks she is.
Now with a clearer head, Steph was able to sit down and tell Ross about Anthony’s connection to her, but didn’t say that Ruby had murdered him.
Calling herself a ‘freak’, Steph became overwhelmed and Ross did his best to help, noting that his family has a dark past as well.
Ross told Steph that his mum, Emma Barton, smothered him when he was a baby.
When they lived in the village, Emma was also responsible for shooting Ross’ brother Finn, holding their dad James hostage, and causing the Hotten Bypass crash.
To name but a few crimes, of course.
Ross listed all of these to try and make Steph feel less alone. He meant well, and when Ross tried to kiss Steph, he listened to her when she said she didn’t want to be intimate with him.
It was a sweet moment from Ross, which highlighted that away from the trouble he causes and the comedic moments, the character certainly has a good heart.
