Emmerdale's first trans star Ash Palmisciano: 'I was told I would never get on TV'
ok.co.ukWhen Ash Palmisciano was first offered the role of Matty Barton, he knew he would be making history. But as the first transgender actor to take on a trans character on Emmerdale, there was a lot for him to weigh up - luckily seven years on, Ash has no regrets. “I didn’t know at first whether I wanted to put myself out there to tell this story,” admits Ash. “I had lived as Ash for quite a long time, and I was secure in myself and was really well-supported.
I knew putting myself out there was going to open up negativity and targeted transphobia, but I don’t regret it. My careers advisor at school said that I would never get a job on TV.
So for that reason I'm quite happy to own 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 that happened to be trans.
He could still fall in love, have a family, a career - and the fact that has come true is incredible.” Up until this point, Matty was living the dream life and was looking forward to a future with his new wife, Amy.
