Matty Barton caused some trouble for his mum Moira and girlfriend Amy Wyatt when he demanded to know the truth about their sudden exit from the village in Emmerdale. Amy was the first to up and leave with her son, Kyle, after he confessed to killing Al Chapman while her dad, Cain Dingle, took the wrap.
But, unable to cope with Cain being in prison, Moira took her son Isaac to meet Amy and Kyle in Belfast, leaving Matty completely confused. Eventually, after plying Mackenzie Boyd, who already knew what had happened, Matty discovered the truth, leading to Moria and Amy's return to the village.
The family are now hiding Kyle's big secret - for now - and there's more drama for the Dingle clan - and those associated closely with the family - as Chas' affair with Al has now been exposed. But, luckily for Matty, he can somewhat shy away from the latest eruptions in the famous family.
With him having more time on screen of late, we thought we'd delve into the life of Matty actor Ash Palmisciano, who made his debut in the ITV soap in 2018. Ash took over the role from Grace Cassidy, who portrayed Hannah Barton from 2009-2012, before the character's transition to Matty.
When Matty returned to the village, the character was described as having transitioned in his years away from the Dales. Matty's return actually came when he snuck into Butlers Farm to retrieve his birth certificate, with which he intended to legally change his gender.
However, he was caught by Cain, who mistook him for an intruder, but when Moira walked in she instantly recognised him as 'Hannah'. Moira's reaction wasn't the greatest but Matty quickly found support in former sister-in-law Victoria, despite her initial surprise. After hearing his mother say hurtful things about him, despite her apology, Matty felt unable to stay and returned to Manchester.
But, a few weeks later Moira visited Matty in hospital and she apologised for her previous behaviour. The pair reconciled and Matty moved back to Emmerdale where, the following year, he had top surgery. Ash is the first-ever transgender actor to appear on Emmerdale and his character Matty is also the first character written into the show to have transitioned.
Ash, who was assigned female at birth and decided he wanted to transition in 2012, wasn't originally cast in the role of Matty. He was called in by the soap to consult on the upcoming transgender storyline, however, after catching the producer's attention when he said he was an actor, he was asked to audition for an on-screen role instead and, as we know now, he got it.
The soap star has previously shared how his mum, Michelle, his dad Adrian and younger sister Sophie were all supportive when he told them that he wanted to transition. "When I decided to face the truth of who I was and talk about it, I found I was more comfortable as Ash," he told the Mirror. "Mum did what she always did best – she made a cup of tea, was very supportive and backed me all the way."
Ash is proud that his character has helped people understand what being trans is really like. He says: “There was nobody on screen who was transgender when I was growing up. Now I get to play a character I so needed to see when I was younger. I would like to think public perceptions have changed."
He also shared with the Mirror that he was particularly moved when a young lad approached him at a stand-up show before the pandemic. "He told me he had transitioned and called himself Matty," he said. "He had had a rough time but when I arrived, everyone in his class went, ‘You’re like that lad in Emmerdale’. I am pleased my character is making being trans accessible."
As mentioned, one person who was supportive of his transition was his mum, but tragically, Michelle died earlier this year. Ash lost his mum in May to complications of rheumatoid arthritis, at the age of 60. He announced the news on Instagram alongside a photo with his parents.
Ash, 32, wrote: "Still can’t believe you’re not with us mum, I’m just starting every day like you did…with a good cuppa, Hope, love and positivity! My biggest inspiration and role model, Miss you everyday #Micki #MyMum". Speaking of his mum to the Mirror last month, Ash said: "Mum was a true inspiration to us all. Not only was she an amazing mum to my sister Sophie and I, she was also such a fantastic wife and nanna too.
"Poor Matty has had a rough time in Emmerdale, but there has always been so much love in my family home and Mum was the most important person in my life. Grief is such a beast that is uncontrollable and you are not prepped for it. We don’t talk about loss and it’s something we will all face in our lives. It’s been a terrible year and I am finding it hard."
But, amidst his grief, Ash has the support of his girlfriend Shea, who he has been dating for just over a year. He went public with their romance in a New Year's Eve snap when he shared a loved-up post to Instagram. Dressed up as Joe Exotic from Tiger King, Ash smiled up to the camera happily as his gorgeous girlfriend leaned on his shoulder.
Captioning the post, he said: "Happy new year everyone! Thank god this girl was too polite to say no to a drink (even though I was dressed as joe exotic) ha wishing a fantastic 2022 to everyone #NYE#MyLove." Since then, the couple have continued to give a glimpse into their romance online.
In November, Ash shared a black and white selfie of the pair on their anniversary. He typed; "Typical Boy meets girl Story really… I said, can i take you for steak? She said she’s Vegan. Luckily she was too polite to turn down a drink. The more i got to know her the more i realised she was perfect. So eventually i summoned the courage to pop the big question… ‘Do you want to get a ‘Two together rail card?’ One year on together and the rest is history. Love u."
Speaking to the Mirror about how Shea has supported him, particularly after the loss of his mum, Ash said: "I knew she was a good egg when we met, but Shea has been so incredibly supportive over the past few months. She spent last Christmas with us and I’m glad Mum got to meet her a few times before she died. We’ve been through a lot in a short space of time, but I believe lockdown taught us all that you know straight away if something’s meant to be."
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