Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano’s big concern about jail storyline as trans man
Trailblazing Ash Palmisciano joined ITV's Emmerdale in 2018 as the first transgender actor portraying a transgender character
Ash Palmisciano was initially concerned when he was first asked to join the Emmerdale line-up
Ash Palmisciano dreaded putting himself out there as a transgender man when he was first chosen for the Emmerdale role of Matty Barton.
The actor joined the line-up in 2018 and was introduced as the son of long-established farmer Moira Barton (played by Natalie J. Robb). He has since become a favourite among fans and even went on to tie the knot with Amy Wyatt.
Matty was involved in his most dramatic scenes yet in recent instalments of the ITV soap as he was arrested and sent to prison for stabbing Samson Dingle.
This has left him fearing what horrors he could face at the hands of felons behind bars as his trans identity could make him an easy target – a harsh reality for transgender people, as explained by Ash himself.
Speaking to NEW! magazine, Ash described how he approached his own fear of judgement, saying he was initially concerned about being catapulted into the spotlight, despite his lifelong dream of becoming an actor.
“I didn’t know at first whether I wanted to put myself out there to tell this story,” the 34-year-old soap star told the publication. “I had lived as Ash for quite a long time, and I was secure in myself and I was really well-supported.”
He added: “I knew putting myself out there was going to open up negativity and targeted transphobia.” But despite his worries, Ash now maintains he has no regrets.
“I don’t regret it and I think the kid in me would be really proud. What I hoped for is that we could tell the story of an all-rounded character who happened to be trans. Matty could still fall in love, have a family, a career – and the fact that this has come true is incredible.”
But with all the drama unfolding on ITV, some fans fear that Matty could suffer a tragic demise in prison due to his identity. “Most guys, if they’re honest, wouldn’t want to go to prison,” Ash added.
“For Matty, there’s extra fear. He’s transitioned now, he’s got his gender recognition certificate, he’s just living as a guy and getting on with life. But now, he’s entered a male prison, a toxic, masculine arena and Matty’s been advised not to say that he’s trans.”
Moira and Amy have been fighting Matty’s corner tooth and nail as they are determined to make Samson admit the Hide employee never actually stabbed him on purpose.
Viewers of the Yorkshire-based program will remember that Samson was pushed by his pal Josh towards Matty who, at the time, was cleaning up the Hide and closing his till.
Prior to the shock scenes, Josh had viciously targeted Matty in transphobic jabs which included misgendering him and making fun of his relationship with wife Amy. The bully later called the police on Matty, insisting he had brutally attacked Samson – and the latter is not contradicting him. How will it all play out?
