Ash Palmisciano believes it is important for ‘Emmerdale’ viewers to see the "highs, lows and vulnerability" his character Matty Barton is going through to become himself.
The 29-year-old actor’s alter-ego – who was previously known as Moira Dingle’s (Natalie J. Robb) daughter Hannah Barton – is to undergo gender reassignment surgery, and Ash is hopeful the audience will learn a lot about the character from the upcoming scenes.
Ash – who is also transgender – said: "It’s extremely important for the audience to see the highs, the lows and the vulnerability it takes to become yourself.
"I hope they learn about his inner courage, and how he pushes himself to face his fears."
Since joining ‘Emmerdale’ last year, Ash has relished the opportunity to "create and shape an authentic character".
He added to Inside Soap magazine: "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 only going to be an ‘Emmerdale’ adviser for the Matty storyline – but he was asked to audition, and landed the part.
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."
Ash Palmisciano: Emmerdale’s Matty plot is important for viewers
