Emmerdale’s Anthony Quinlan ‘aware of interest’ in Pete Barton return after six years
EXCLUSIVE: Emmerdale actor Anthony Quinlan has played Pete Barton in the ITV soap opera since 2013 but he left the show in 2020 and has since been busy with other acting roles
It’s been six years since Pete Barton departed Emmerdale village for a fresh start in Liverpool.
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Anthony Quinlan became part of the ITV soap in 2013, with his character becoming embroiled in numerous compelling storylines including a romantic triangle involving his brother Ross Barton (Michael Parr) and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb).
The performer departed his role in the ITV drama in 2020 to explore different acting prospects and concentrate on his business ventures and personal training career.
Last year, Pete’s brother Ross Barton (Michael Parr) got a disturbing phone call revealing his sibling had been hospitalised following an assault.
The unusual mention of Pete sparked speculation amongst viewers about whether the popular heartthrob might be returning to the village after his extended break, but prospects appear dim, reports the Mirror.
Speaking on behalf of Freebets.com, the home of the best slot sites, Anthony revealed: “Never say never but It’s not on the cards at present and nothing has formally been approached but I am aware of the interest in the character and mentions on screen.
“People have reached out online and fellow peers have asked would I go back but there are a few things on the horizon and there’s something I’ve just completed that has been really exciting and has opened up a great opportunity within my career, something I’d like to do more of should the opportunity arise.
“A return to Emmerdale is definitely something worth seriously considering if it was ever properly presented but right now I want to keep building on the momentum of the last year or so. Things are picking up and moving in the right direction.”
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Anthony has secured a part in BBC drama Time, an anthology crime series based in a prison which initially broadcast in June 2021 and featured Sean Bean and Stephen Graham.
The second series launched in October 2023 starring Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey and Anthony will feature in the third instalment when it graces our screens.
Speaking about the contrast between working on a soap opera and a drama, Anthony revealed: “The turnover in soap is so, so fast. You’re filming the equivalent of about two movies a week, producing around three hours of television content weekly.
“The screen to filming time ratio is literally seconds to hours. A 90 second scene might take 90 minutes to two hours to film. With a cast that large you’ve got maybe four different crews working in different locations simultaneously.
“You could be filming a scene from the end of one week and the beginning of another in the same location on the same day, just to be efficient. Then they knit it all together afterwards. It’s a well oiled machine.”
He added: “On a drama there’s just one crew, one director, you become familiar with everyone, it’s a slightly slower process, a bit more time for rehearsals. Still highly pressured, but a very different rhythm.
“Dramas also tend to have more budget to play with. Both are amazing experiences but the drama experience is definitely one I want to embark on more. There are a few things potentially in the pipeline..”
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Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 at 8pm and available to stream from 7am on ITVX