Usually, an unexpected return is coupled with a big storyline that rumbles on at least a few weeks, but it looks like Ross Barton’s (Michael Parr) Emmerdale return will be a flash in the pan.
It was a bit of a surprise to see how he arrived back in the village – he was revealed as Billy Fletcher’s (Jay Kontzle) next opponent in his illegal boxing match.
Before finding out who he’d be up against, Billy had insisted on going ahead with the fight despite Aaron Dingle’s (Danny Miller) warning.
He got a little cocksure of his skills having had one successful coaching session with John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) and with Mack Boyd’s (Lawrence Robb) backing.
But then he realised he was facing off with Ross Barton, who all but wiped the floor with him. At the last minute, Billy managed to fight back and win, momentarily saving his skin.
Problem is, that’s not the outcome Jade – the scary woman behind the unlicenced matches – wanted.
Ross is the first to learn of the impact of this outcome when he’s jumped by Jade and her heavies.
She has a few choice words for him, but she turns violent in hammering home her message that she’s not to be messed with – she has him thrown off a bridge.
Next, she targets Billy. Billy is perturbed to find Jade having a cup of tea with Dawn Taylor (Olivia Bromley), asserting her power and making it clear to the fighter that no one is safe.
Not long after, his biggest fear is realised – Dawn tells him Clemmie and Lucas are missing.
Jade means business – is it at the cost of Ross, Clemmie and Lucas’ lives?
