Ross contemplates suicide
AS HIS SUSPECTED ATTACKER STANDS TRIAL, ROSS HITS ROCK BOTTOM…
Ross is in total despair this week, as his accused assailant pleads not guilty to causing the injuries that have left him scarred for life.
With Ross already in the depths of depression as he struggles to deal with the physical and emotional consequences of the acid attack, a disastrous trip to the Woolpack pushes him to the edge. So when his brother Pete finds him slumped unconscious after knocking back pills and booze, he fears the worst…
“Ross is practically suicidal,” admits actor Michael Parr, who plays him. “The old Ross has gone, and he’s in self-destruct mode. He’s really not dealing with what’s happened to him, and is spiralling out of control. He’s been drinking too much, and not looking after himself. He has ended up with an infection in his face which has seeped into his bloodstream, so he’s not in a very good place at all right now.”
With Ross in a terrible state already, the news that his attack suspect is to plead not guilty comes as yet another devastating blow. But Pete reckons he might be making progress with his brother’s recuperation when he persuades Ross to join him for a night at the pub.
“Until now, Ross has found it very difficult to even leave the house – let alone visit a public place,” shares Michael. “He plucks up the courage to go to the Woolpack with Pete, though, and they get chatting to these girls. Ross thinks they’re interested in him, but they’re actually making fun of him behind his back – and his confidence is badly affected.
“He blames everybody else for forcing him to go out when he knew it wasn’t a good idea – his confidence was already very low, and this incident just knocks it right back down to zero again.”
The next day, Pete and Moira are horrified to realise that Ross has gone AWOL – and are further panicked after Pete finds a stash of pills and an empty whiskey bottle in Ross’ car. “Ross has gone to a place he used to visit with his dad and his brothers, to try to find some clarity – or at least reminisce about a time when he liked his life,” reveals Michael. “He’s starting to become reliant on these pills because he’s in constant agony – and he’s drinking in order to numb his pain, both physically and emotionally.
“What we’ve got to remember is that within the past six months, Ross has lost almost his entire family. He’s lost his lifeline, which means it’s not just his scars that he’s having to deal with…”
Can Pete get Ross to safety and secure the help he so badly needs – or is it already too late to save him?