Ash Palmisciano “can’t believe” he’s been at Emmerdale for a year.
The 29-year-old actor still feels “very grateful” for the opportunity to appear on the ITV soap, on which he portrayed transgender character Matty Barton, who was previously known as Moira Dingle’s (Natalie J. Robb) daughter Hannah Barton.
He wrote on Twitter: “Can’t believe I’ve been at Emmerdale for a year, what a journey it’s been already! Very grateful for the fantastic opportunity (sic)”
https://twitter.com/emmerdale/status/1140691606133248000
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A tweet on the official Emmerdale Twitter account read: “Yay! Happy One Year Anniversary, Ash! (sic)”
Ash has already covered some big storylines in his one-year in the Dales, including Matty undergoing gender reassignment surgery.
Speaking about the plot, he previously said: “It’s extremely important for the audience to see the highs, the lows and the vulnerability it takes to become yourself.
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“I hope they learn about his inner courage, and how he pushes himself to face his fears.
“What’s really exciting as an actor with this character, is that Matty is open to lots of change.
“I wanted to help create and shape an authentic character – someone that everyone can relate to.
“Matty is a son, a barman, a cheeky chap, a deep thinker, a caring friend – and just happens to be transgender, too.”
Ash was initially enlisted as an adviser for the Matty storyline – but he was asked to audition, and landed the part.
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He said: “It is crazy. There’s an amazing charity called All About Trans. They work with just positive representations in the media of trans people.
“They said to me, ‘We’re doing interaction with Emmerdale, they’re thinking about doing this storyline, they’re looking for some advice on positive reps’.
“They said, ‘Do you want to come?’ I said, ‘Sure, cheeky day out!’ I went along, the next thing they said, ‘Do you want to audition?’ Being an actor, I said, ‘Of course!’ And here I am.
“It was like stepping into my TV. My first day, it was incredible. I was acting with the legend that is Jeff [Hordley], who plays Cain Dingle.
“On my first day he had to chuck me over a table. So that was an experience and a half.”
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