He is the soaps first transgender star, and his new storyline is set to shed a light on some of the difficulties faced by the trans community at home.
And, as youd expect, Ash Palmisciano is proud to be playing Matty Barton – who fans first knew as Hannah back in 2012.
Acknowledging that his casting and the role itself is a big thing for the soap, for himself, and for viewers at home, Ash said:
Its a big thing, it is a big thing. I was kind of expecting it to create a bit of a stir. I wasnt expecting how much of an impact it was going to have. Ive had so many lovely messages about the nature of the storyline and how its affected people.
And its a very big thing for Ash himself, as the Boy Meets Girl actor explained hed not even put himself forward for the role.
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Speaking to Lorraine Kelly he explained that initially hed only been drafted in to advise Emmerdale on the storyline – though he was then asked to audition himself.
It is crazy, he said. Theres an amazing charity called All About Trans. They work with just positive representations in the media of trans people.
More: Soap spoilers
They said to me, “Were doing interaction with Emmerdale, theyre thinking about doing this storyline, theyre looking for some advice on positive reps”. They said, “Do you want to come?” And I said, “Sure, cheeky day out!”
I went along, and the next thing they said, “Do you want to audition?” Being an actor, I said, Of course! And, here I am.
Emmerdale airs Monday – Friday on ITV at 7pm on ITV.
MORE: Emmerdale spoilers: Killer Lachlan White leaves Robert Sugden and Liv Flaherty to die next week
MORE: 10 Emmerdale spoilers: Lachlans murder spree, Matty returns and Rebecca death horror
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