Emmerdale Bombshell Brewing? Fans Predict Ross Barton Is April’s Real Dad as Drug Plot Deepens
April’s Spiral Sparks New Questions
Emmerdale viewers are once again glued to their screens as April Windsor’s harrowing descent into the criminal underworld takes a disturbing new turn. Manipulated by Ray Walters and his mother Celia Daniels, April has found herself entangled in drug dealing, coerced silence, and psychological trauma.

Her life has unravelled at an alarming pace—she believes she killed Callum in self-defence, was arrested in Newcastle, and now faces constant emotional pressure from Ray, who insists she “repay” Celia’s efforts to protect her. While the show highlights her growing instability, fans are focusing on something deeper: Is Marlon Dingle truly her father?
One Flashback, One Glass—and a Flood of Doubts
In the most recent episode, a simple broken glass at The Hide triggered a violent memory for April—one that left her visibly shaken and forced her to flee. Ray, ever the predator, watched with growing concern, realising she may be close to a breaking point.
As April’s mental state deteriorates, so too does the illusion that all is as it seems with her family history. Fans have begun to question why April hasn’t confided in Marlon Dingle, her supposed father. The emotional distance between them is becoming more noticeable—too noticeable to ignore.
Enter Ross Barton: The Fan-Favourite Theory
Longtime viewers remember that Donna Windsor, April’s late mother, once shared a passionate and intense relationship with Ross Barton. Despite the complications, Ross was a major part of Donna’s life before her death—and, crucially, a father figure to young April.
Now, speculation is running wild. Could Ross Barton be April’s biological father? The theory is gaining traction online, with fans noting April’s resemblance to Ross, her bond with him during past interactions, and her growing alienation from Marlon.
One viewer posted: “She looks more like Ross than Marlon. And given Donna’s past… this would make total sense.” Another chimed in: “April is Ross’ daughter. That twist would explain everything.”
A Twist That Could Save Her?
With Ross already a father to Moses, and Charity Dingle currently pregnant with his second child, the idea of Ross fathering April isn’t far-fetched. More importantly, his return could be the very thing that pulls April out of Ray and Celia’s grip.
If the DNA twist proves true, Ross might not just be April’s real dad—he might be her last hope.