ST HELENS actor Michael Parr reckons his Emmerdale soap character Ross Barton has gone "a bit soft" in recent months but expects the bad boy's dark side to return over Christmas.

Michael's growing popularity with the show's viewers – especially female ones – means writers are giving him stronger storylines.

His profile has soared too, with his face adorning the covers of newspaper magazines.

last month he was named best newcomer at the Inside Soap Awards and was runner up in the bad boy and sexiest male categories.

Michael, who grew up on Hard Lane, said: “When I started on the soap, I was just in the odd episode, but people like a bad boy so the part got bigger and now I'm a regular cast member.”

With family still living in Prescot and Rainford, Michael returns to town often.

He said: “I'm here every few weeks for the weekend – I was at Saints watching when they won the final.”

He is very proud of his roots and says his best friends from St Helens keep him grounded.

It was at De La Salle High, a breeding ground for talent that also produced actress Emma Rigby, where a teacher saw his potential and encouraged him to get involved with theatre.

He said: “I'm not academic and I was a bit of a disruptive influence but that got channelled into musicals.”

He joined local drama school Elizabeth Hills and then went on to get a degree in drama from East 15 college in London.

He said: “I get paid to do what I love. I've been on Emmerdale for a year and a half now. I'm hoping to stick around for some time.

“I play a naughty boy who's got a few issues and a fiery temper. Playing this part is a lot of fun. I get to be cheeky and have fights. It's therapeutic!”

“Over the coming months people are going to see more of the old Ross, he softened up for a bit but he's going to get bad again.”

Despite his job, he's not keen on watching TV himself: “I prefer to go out. I love going to gigs. And I've joined a gym because I haven't done much sport since starting on Emmerdale.”

He adds that when he “grows up” he would like to move behind the screen into the writing and directing side of the industry and lists actors Gary Oldman and Christian Bale as big influences.

He said: “Doing what I'm doing now is a good way to learn the ropes.

“My family are so proud – although sometimes my twin sisters get embarrassed - not because of the fame but because I am doing something that makes me happy.”