In this week’s episode of Inside Soap’s Soap Scoop podcast, Michael Parr joins Laura-Jayne Tyler to talk all about his Emmerdale comeback as Ross Barton. Michael opens up about returning to the Dales after five years, Ross’ hilarious new energy, and the emotional layers behind his storyline with Charity Dingle, Mack, and April. He reveals the original plan for Ross’ character (you’ll never guess what name he was first given!), his hopes for more Corrie x Emmerdale crossovers, and why comedy has been such a surprise joy this time around. Plus, Laura-Jayne and Chloe Timms break down all the latest from across Soapland: 🌾 Emmerdale: April’s shocking standalone episode, Celia’s evil plan, and the rise of “Emmerdale’s Avengers.” 🏘️ Coronation Street: Carla vs. Becky in the Rovers, Swarla tension heats up, and David & Shona face heartbreak in a special episode. 💋 EastEnders: Calls for a Slater flashback episode – and why fans can’t stop talking about Hollyoaks icon Claire Devine’s explosive exit! 🎧 It’s a packed show full of exclusive behind-the-scenes chat, soap secrets, and fan theories — the ultimate weekly fix for soap lovers! 00:00 – Intro | Welcome to Soap Scoop | Exclusive Emmerdale clip 00:12 – Michael Parr joins the podcast 00:25 – Returning to Emmerdale as Ross Barton 00:50 – How Ross has changed since his first stint 01:23 – Finding the comedy in Ross’ comeback 02:15 – Why Ross is still a lovable rogue 02:25 – Michael reveals Ross’ original name — and why it changed 03:14 – Joining the Barton family & memories of early days 04:05 – Working with Bill Ward, Joe Gill, and Anthony Quinlan 05:10 – Emmerdale x Corrie crossover dream — soaps unite! 06:25 – Ross & Charity: the twist nobody saw coming 07:44 – Could Debbie Dingle return? Michael shares his thoughts 08:40 – Ross vs. Charity vs. Debbie – potential chaos ahead 09:08 – On-screen chemistry with Emma Atkins 10:20 – Charity’s forged DNA results: how will Ross react? 11:07 – The Ross & Mack bromance — friends or frenemies? 12:05 – Ross’s first real friendship & his lonely past 12:46 – Ross & Manpreet’s unexpected spark 14:02 – Returning after 5 years away — nerves & excitement 15:37 – Comedy moments: Gabby’s dressing gown & the karaoke fun 17:21 – Working with Claire King & life at Home Farm 18:04 – Ross and April’s bond – and a potential emotional storyline ahead 19:38 – Working with Joe Absolom & the new villains 20:36 – Ross vs. Celia – brains vs. brawn showdown? 21:29 – “Emmerdale’s Avengers”: assembling the Dales’ best characters 22:41 – What’s next for Ross heading into Christmas 23:19 – Ross, Lewis, and Vinnie – brotherly dynamics 24:29 – Behind-the-scenes life & post-baby reflections 25:50 – The state of British soaps: why fans still love them 27:01 – Streaming numbers, ratings & soap survival 28:24 – Thank you Michael Parr! Soap Round-Up with Laura-Jayne & Chloe: 28:25 – Why we love Michael Parr & Ross’ comeback 29:03 – Emmerdale’s sinister turn: Celia’s shocking threat 30:11 – Spoiler! April and Marlon’s standalone episode twist 33:12 – Are there too many special episodes in Emmerdale? 34:14 – Coronation Street: David & Shona’s heartbreaking storyline 37:13 – Carla vs. Becky: Swarla drama at the Rovers 40:01 – Is Becky misunderstood? The villain debate 41:34 – Who will Becky target next — Roy or Ryan? 42:32 – EastEnders: calls for a Slater flashback special 44:07 – Hollyoaks: farewell to Claire Devine (Gemma Bissix tribute) 46:17 – Why fans secretly fancy Ray in Emmerdale? 47:26 – Wrap-up & teaser for next week’s Soap Scoop Inside Soap is Britain’s only soap magazine, bringing readers every story, every secret, every week from shows such as such as Coronation Street, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Casualty and Neighbours. Grab a copy of the mag on Tuesdays, and head to www.digitalspy.com/soaps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices