EMMERDALE actor Michael Parr admitted he had to lie to his family while keeping secret the storyline that saw his bad boy character Ross Barton come back from the dead.

Michael's character was seemingly killed off earlier this month as a fight between Ross and on screen brother Pete went horribly wrong.

But Tuesday's hour-long episode ended with the revelation that he is still alive - sending Twitter into a frenzy.

Such is the popularity of his character, thousands of fans had signed a petition calling for his return.

Speaking about Ross's comeback, Parr told the website Digital Spy: "It's been difficult, fun and exciting.

"I've had to sneak in and out of the building at work to avoid being seen by fans outside, and I've even had to lie to family!

"People aren't idiots, so some people in my family have asked what I've been up to. I said that I've been working but I made a story up that I had a new job in a hotel!

"There's been a bit of speculation that Ross wasn't dead, so I've also been trying to throw people off.

"I was tweeting lies about going for auditions and stuff like that, so it's been good fun!"

Emmerdale continues on Wednesday (August 26) at 7pm on ITV.