Emmerdale Ross actor’s real-life romances from co-star to proposal that didn’t go to plan
Emmerdale's Michael Parr, who plays Ross Barton, has captivated fans on-screen - but what about his real-life relationships?
Michael Parr is a beloved figure portraying Ross Barton on Emmerdale – but what do we know about his romantic life? The actor rose to prominence when he joined the ITV soap as Ross. And it’s safe to say he quickly became a favourite amongst viewers. Ross has also featured in numerous significant storylines. From enduring a devastating acid attack to his 2024 comeback involving illegal boxing, his stint in the Dales has been packed with drama.
The character has experienced plenty of relationships on the soap as well, including a recent fling with Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) that resulted in her falling pregnant. Beyond the soap however, actor Michael’s romantic life has frequently attracted media attention. But which Emmerdale star did he previously have a relationship with? reports the Daily Star. And why did his engagement proposal to his new partner almost result in catastrophe?
Michael’s relationship with Emmerdale co-star.
Michael dated his Emmerdale co-star (Image: isabelhodgins/Instagram)
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A few years following his arrival on the show, Michael began secretly dating Isabel Hodgins – who portrays Victoria Sugden. The couple maintained their relationship fairly private, seldom posting photographs of one another on social media. In 2016 however, they made things Instagram official. Michael also published an affectionate post about Isabel to mark her birthday.
He wrote: “Happy 24th birthday to this little one. Who woulda thought that 5’2 (and a half) could pack so much love, devotion and attitude. “Thank you for being the most wonderful and caring best friend a boy could ask for. Love you to the moon and back. X.”
Michael and Isabel ended up splitting (Image: isabelhodgins/Instagram)
Michael and Isabel’s split.
However, by 2019 Michael and Isabel had separated after three years together, following Mike’s departure from Emmerdale to pursue opportunities in America. Isabel, meanwhile, continued on the soap.
A source at the time told The Sun: “They drifted apart and felt it was better to be mates. He has been throwing himself into his social life and has just been on a lads’ hol and she is focusing on work, they’re both young and want to follow their dreams. They had a meaningful relationship and they’ll remember the good times.”
He has since found love again (Image: mikeparr226/Instagram)
Michael’s new romance
After parting ways with Isabel, Michael discovered love in 2023 with Isabelle Du Plessis after connecting on dating app Hinge. Their relationship flourishing, the couple welcomed their first child in September 2025, a daughter named Suzie Rose Par. Taking to Instagram, Isabelle shared a series of photographs and introduced her daughter Suzie to the world.
Proud father Michael was grinning as he cradled his little daughter in one arm in a photograph. Then earlier this year, Michael chose to propose to Isabelle. The pair were visiting Issi’s family in South Africa when Michael discreetly started planning his proposal, although matters didn’t go entirely to plan.
“We were going on safari,” he explained to The Mirror. He added: “I said to her family, ‘If we see elephants or giraffes at the watering hole, I’ll take that as the sign to pop the question.'” “I had no idea at all,” she laughed. At one stage, Michael attempted to guide her towards the ideal location.
She recalled: “He kept asking me to go on this bushwalk and I was like, ‘I’ve done bushwalks before. I’m not that into it, but I think you should go.'”. Michael then said: “You were literally stopping your own proposal.”
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX
