Exclusive: Emmerdale reveals long-term romance plans for Ross Barton

Emmerdale spoilers follow.

Emmerdale producer Sophie Roper has hinted that the show will explore a more serious relationship for Ross Barton in the future.

Ross has spent most of his time single since his split from Steph Miligan, although he briefly dated Serena Sugden and enjoyed a fling with Laurel Thomas. He's also had occasional hook-ups with Manpreet Sharma, so he's certainly kept busy.

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While Ross doesn't seem ready to settle down just yet, Sophie suggested that a deeper connection could form part of his longer-term story arc.

Speaking exclusively to Inside Soap, she explained: "Ross is such a brilliant character and he brings such wit and joy to every story that he's involved in.

"He's certainly had several dalliances with lots of women within the village, but beneath that slightly rough exterior that he presents, there is absolutely a man who is looking for love and deeper connection."

She continued: "I think some of my favourite moments for Ross were when he was involved in those brilliant, epic love stories in years gone by, so I would love that for his character.

"There's nothing coming up in the immediate future, but I think it's certainly something we will want to explore with Ross. We'd want to explore those different facets to his character because he's multi-layered.

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"Mike [Parr, who plays Ross] is a brilliant actor. As much as he does comedy brilliantly, he can do dark and brooding and explore the tortured side of Ross's character as well. There's certainly a lot more we're going to do with Ross in the future."

Ross was at the centre of big scenes this year after his and Charity Dingle's baby secret was sensationally exposed, sparking months of drama with Mackenzie Boyd, Jacob Sugden and Sarah Sugden.

He's also been looking out for his younger brother Lewis, who joined the village last year. With things now starting to settle, could Ross begin to focus on his own life again?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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