Congratulations are in order for Michael Parr, best known to viewers as the troubled and complex Ross Barton in Emmerdale.
The actor has announced his engagement to partner Isabelle Du Plessis following a romantic proposal during a trip to South Africa.
Isabelle revealed the happy news on Instagram, sharing a collection of intimate photos capturing the special moment.
Alongside the images, she wrote: ‘One day you’ll meet a complete stranger, and they’ll end up becoming the most important person in your life – I love this life with you and our gorgeous little girl.’
The couple’s love story began in 2023 after meeting on the dating app Hinge, and their relationship quickly blossomed.
In September 2025, they welcomed their daughter, Suzie Rose Parr, marking another milestone in their journey together.
Michael has previously spoken about how much fatherhood means to him, especially after Isabelle endured a challenging pregnancy, experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of sickness that can be both physically and emotionally draining.
They announced the birth of their daughter via Instagram, with Michael captioning the sweet snap ‘I understand unconditional love for the first time!
Dear Suzie, The last 6 days with you have been better than all my years on this planet combined.
Life before you seems so meaningless.
You have changed what the word love means to me.
In fact, I’m not sure I understood what it was before I held you.
There’s not a day that will go by when I don’t tell you and show you how much you mean to me.
I’ll leave no stone unturned in making sure you always feel safe, supported, and loved.
I absolutely adore you.
Thank you for making us so happy.
Love, Dad x’
Opening up to OK!
about the proposal, Michael explained that the couple had travelled to South Africa with Isabelle’s family and were heading out on safari when he began searching for the right moment to pop the question.
He admitted he had been quietly waiting for the perfect setting to make the occasion unforgettable.
Isabelle recalled how he had been persistently suggesting a bushwalk, even though she wasn’t particularly keen.
‘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,” she said.
Eventually, the moment came together magically.
Michael described how a pair of elephants approached a watering hole nearby, creating a scene that felt almost cinematic.
‘A bull elephant and its partner came to the watering hole, and they started wrapping their trunks around each other.
It looked like they were kissing.
It felt romantic and really symbolic.’
Seizing the opportunity, he decided to act.
‘I came up with this really cheesy line and said, “What do you think is more beautiful, those elephants or this ring?” and I pulled the ring out of the box and said, “Will you marry me?”
While the couple have yet to set a date or choose a venue for their wedding, they are currently focused on enjoying their engagement and family life.
Isabelle explained that they are simply ‘enjoying every moment of being engaged’ for now.
Michael also paid tribute to his fiancée in a heartfelt Instagram post, writing: ‘More than I want a wedding, more than I want a spectacle…I want to be a husband.
Her husband.
Thank you @issiduplessis for making me a Father and thank you for making me so happy.
I can’t wait to do all the things and see all the places with you on my left arm and Suzie in my right.’
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Fans of Emmerdale will know Michael for his portrayal of Ross Barton, one of the soap’s most layered and turbulent characters.
Ross has been at the centre of some of the show’s most dramatic storylines, from criminal activity and revenge plots to emotional struggles and redemption arcs.
His journey has seen him evolve from a hardened, often volatile figure into someone capable of vulnerability and growth, particularly following life-changing events such as his acid attack storyline.
His ability to show growth and range has made Ross a fan favourite over the years.
As wedding plans remain on the horizon, it’s clear that for Michael Parr, his current role of fiancé and father could be his best yet.
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Source: This article was originally published by Metro UK
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