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Kirsty McCormack & Victoria Scheer

Emmerdale actor Mike Parr's incredible body transformation after quitting gym and nasty injury

Former Emmerdale star Michael Parr has shared pictures of his incredible body transformation as he celebrates turning 36.

Michael, who played Ross Barton in the ITV soap from 2013 to 2018, showed off his new look after suffering a painful back injury in November. Taking to Instagram to share photographs with his 248,000 followers, he can be seen in nothing but a pair of black shorts as he stands in a garden flaunting his toned body.

In comparison, the second snap shows Mike "in bad shape" in a pair of Calvin Klein boxers and a face mask, the Mirror reports. Marking his special day, Mike shared the before and after photo alongside a lengthy caption in which he reflects on the past year.

Read more: Inside ITV Emmerdale's cottages and who actually lives inside them

He told his fans: "36 today. And what a year it was. From hurting back back in November the day before I was supposed to move house and 2 days before I was set to fly to Morocco for a job.

"You can see in the 2nd pic that I was in pretty bad shape. My hips were all off line. Ciatic nerve was trapped and I damaged my C2&C3. I thought it was gonna hurt forever."

Michael Parr celebrated his 36th birthday by sharing before and after images of his body (Instagram/mikeparr226)

He added: "I quit the gym and now have just been working out with dumbells at home and I feel better and stronger than ever. Good diet. Fasting. Cold showers and just everything in moderation.

"Thank you to everyone who has helped me this year. I love my life and I love everyone in it."

Fans and friends loved the pictures and praised Mike for his achievement. Many also sent birthday wishes.

Keith Farren wrote: "Well done Mike, you pulled through it and you probably feel stronger than ever before. Keep going. Happy Birthday. Much love. Look after yourself."

Gazbamber_ commented: "Looking good bro! And cold showers are the way! I’ve been having them for a few years now! Happy birthday pal! I’ll buy you a pint next time I see you in the springy."

Ashley_laurax said: "Happy Birthday Mike. I went through the same with my L5 a few years ago, crazy what you can do when you put your mind to it."

Palm Woods praised: "Happy Birthday and well done for getting back in shape, have an amazing day celebrating your birthday." And Timothy Blore said: "Mate you’re a champ! Smashing everything. Happy birthday bro, big love."

Since his Emmerdale exit, the Merseyside-born actor has kept a relatively low profile. In 2020, he appeared in series two of TV show Bulletproof in which he played Ben Woodall.

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