Emmerdale newcomer Ash Palmisciano has revealed that he finds his character Matty Bartons storyline authentic and has used much of his own experience in shaping the journey of him. And he has insisted that aspects such as Moiras reaction are believable while also praising the soap for expanding its diverse casting.
Viewers have loved being introduced to Matty and as he builds relationships with Moira and also potential love interest and best friend Victoria, there are a lot of big storylines ahead. We caught up with the actor recently to talk about his casting in the popular show and he is enthusiastic both about the storyline and about the representation for the trans community.
He told Metro.co.uk: Ive had some amazing things. I cant quite believe it to be honest with you. When I chose to take this part as an actor I knew it was going to create quite a stir, especially in something like Emmerdale, where it is the first trans character ever in the soap. Obviously, its going to split peoples opinions. Its something new and something people arent used to. But the response has been incredible.
Ive had messages from lots of different people whove said what this has done is open up conversations in our house. Ive had a lot of young trans people message me and say Ive started having conversations with my mum about being trans after seeing that scene last night. Ive had grandparents message me to say thanks for helping them understand. One lady messaged me who worked in a care home with a load of lads, the type who werent used to seeing trans people, or understanding it, and they were really impressed by it.
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I hope it is having a really positive impact and normalising what it means to be trans. Matty is a very ordinary guy, who happens to be trans, and in the storyline, there is a lot more to him. Hes a son, hes a cheeky chappy, hes got a lot more going on apart from the label and hopefully that will make a big impact.
Ive lived this so I can see on the page what is right and what is quite close. The guys upstairs have been amazing and said if there is anything you think we can do to make this as authentic as possible then let us know and we will.
I came to Emmerdale to help with an interaction day with a charity called All About Trans who work with positive representations of trans people in the media. I came with them on a bit of a jolly for a bit of lunch to meet the script people and to advise them on it. I used to do volunteering for them so I said you need to make him someone people love who happens to be trans, and I ended up auditioning and now Im sat here with you. Mental! I used to be a peasant sat in a castle so…!
Ash on whether he studied the character of Hannah
I looked online at scenes when they were kids to see how she behaved but definitely because of the transition, the character you saw as Hannah would have changed. There is more testosterone. But I definitely did take some things from Hannah to keep it authentic to who she was.
Although Matty looks visually a lot different there would still be some traits there. A lot of new stuff as well and a lot of new confidence. It was useful to talk to Isabel (Hodgins who plays Victoria) as well about them to find out were they close friends, what scenes they did. Like one of the first ones we did was flushing her head down the toilet so I said what was that all about?!
He continued: Living as a trans guy and living it and coming out to your parents and telling your friends – what that has done has brought some real insight into Mattys character, how would he be with Moira and how would he feel going away and coming back? I bought some moments from my life into it..
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This is definitely a role in the sense that he has been away and come back to this village. My life is different, I had family around me from the start so it is definitely different. Mattys story is different to mine but it has helped having that insight into how he might feel.
As for how Moira reacted, some viewers wondered if Moira was being fair or in character but Ash explained that there were a lot of factors at play – including Matty not making Hollys funeral.
He said: All people act differently and not everyones reactions would be the same. Ive heard different stories. Ive met a lot of trans people and they tell me how some people are indifferent and some cant get their head around it. Because it is a big thing. I do think it was authentic. Matty has missed a lot of things. Not only gone away and transitioned but hes missed his sisters funeral! I think she handled it spot on.
On his hopes for the future in the acting industry, he added: I just hope we get to the point where we see lots of great actors and a few happen to be transgender. Thats what I want for me and my life that they see me as Ash who is a great actor.
Whats so exciting about playing Matty is there are so many possibilities. There is obviously all the trans stuff to cover but everything like who is he, what is he good at, relationships in the future, it is exciting!
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