Ash Palmisciano’s Emmerdale character Matty Barton has made quite the impact since he returned to the soap in 2018.
When the character returned to our screens he was described as having transitioned in his years away from the Dales, making Ash Emmerdale’s first transgender actor and the soap’s first transgender character.
Besides acting, multitalented Ash is also a poet, writer, and narrator and makes use of his own YouTube channel to post short poetry videos.
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Taking the soap world by storm, Ash’s life off-screen isn’t as dramatic as his alter-ego character, but the happy-go-lucky star often gives fans a glimpse into his life on social media.
From finding love with their gorgeous girlfriend, suffering a tragic death and becoming the face of transgender actors in British soapland – let’s take a look at Ash’s like off-screen.
Transgender role
Ashley Palmisciano joined Emmerdale in 2018, taking over from Grace Cassidy, who portrayed the character from 2009-2012.
He was originally brought in to advise Emmerdale on their new transgender character, through a charity called All About Trans.
The 32-year-old 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.
He explained during an appearance on Lorraine: “I went along and the next thing is them asking me if I want to audition. I was like, ‘Yeah, fantastic!’ And here I am!”
He then went on to join the soap as a full-time member of the cast.
Speaking on This Morning, Ash explained: “I was an actor, I was doing bits and bobs in theatre.
“But you know what it’s like, I was collecting tickets, I was a full-time peasant at Warwick Castle, it was getting the point where my parents were like, ‘Maybe you should focus on getting something else’.”
He continued: “It’s been just over a year [on Emmerdale], I have to constantly remind myself I can’t believe how amazing it is.”
Finding love
(Image: @ash.p.x/Instagram)
Actor Ashley went public with his girlfriend in adorable New Year’s Eve snap when he shared a loved-up pic to Instagram.
Dressed up as Joe Exotic from Tiger King, Ash smiled up to the camera happily as his blonde girlfriend, Shea Rowan leaned on his shoulder.
“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,” he captioned the post.
Ash’s fans loved the couple’s Instagram debut and wished them happy returns for the new year.
“That a lovely picture of you both, happy new year,” wrote one fan.
Another commented: “Happy New Year to you Ash and your girlfriend and family. Hope you all have a wonderful night Xxxx”
And a third wrote: “Happy new you too!! love you both…”
Tragic death
(Image: ash.p.x /Instagram)
Ash opened up about the death of his mum earlier this year when he announced the news of her tragic death.
Taking to Instagram, the Matty Barton actor shared the news about his heartbreaking loss in a post on Instagram posting a selfie with his smiling mum from a recent holiday.
He told fans: “Still can’t believe you’re not with us mum, I’m just starting everyday like you did…with a good cuppa, Hope, love and positivity!
“My biggest inspiration and role model, Miss you everyday #Micki #MyMum”.
The actor was quickly inundated with messages of support from his fans and fellow actors. Emile John who plays Ethan Anderson on Emmerdale wrote: “Sending all the love to you and your family bro.”
Actress Fiona Wade, who plays Priya Sharma in Emmerdale, said: “So much love to you darling.”
Life on Mars star Dean Andrews commented: “Much love mate.”
Transformation
(Image: @ash.p.x/Instagram)
The actor showed off a “fierce” new look when he went out to a party with pals last month.
Ash star headed out to Mighty Hoopla, a 90s and 00s themed festival which celebrates diversity, and takes place annually at Brockwell Park in London.
Sharing a selfie with girlfriend Shea Rowan on Instagram, Ash can be seen wearing a patterned shirt with the sleeves rolled up, unbuttoned to show off his chest tattoo.
(Image: @ash.p.x/Instagram)
He has pink glitter emblazoned around his left eye.
Shea wore a Britney t-shirt, with similar glitter on her face. Ash’s fellow Emmerdale stars rushed to comment on his look.
Priya Sharma actress Fiona Wade said: “Love!” with a heart-eyes emoji. Lawrence Robb, who plays Mackenzie Boyd, simply said: “Fierce!!!!!”.
Fans were also quick to praise the star. Rushing to the comments section, Lydia Hope said: “Have an amazing weekend you gorgeous pair”.
Emily West said: “Oh my god why do you both look so cool!?!? LOVE YOU BOTH. Kudos on those cute little outfits. Have fun.”
Joanne Griffiths said: “Lovely pic of you both”.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
