‘Emmerdale’ has cast the soap’s first regular transgender character.
Ash Palmisciano has joined the ITV show as Matty Barton – who was previously known as Moira Dingle’s (Natalie J. Robb) daughter Hannah Barton – and he "can’t wait" to get stuck into his "ground-breaking" storylines.
He said: "I’m very excited to be joining the very welcoming Emmerdale family. From nervous auditions to now working alongside the team daily has been truly amazing.
"Matty’s a ground-breaking character to play and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for him."
Matty will have a brutal arrival to the Dales as Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) mistakes him for a burglar at Butler’s Farm and knocks him out.
But when Moira arrives back home she instantly recognises him as her daughter Hannah.
Producer Kate Brooks said: "The character of Matty certainly knows how to make an impact: cheeky, effervescent, quick-witted and headstrong, it’s not long before he’s charmed his way into the affections of all those who meet him.
"His tale of a man trying to shake off his past and find acceptance in the present is full of emotion, humour and ultimately hope as he settles back into rural village life, turning Moira’s world upside down in the process.
"We are absolutely thrilled to have Ash on board to play this role.
"A skilful actor of great talent, he exudes charisma and there’s an unflinching honesty to his performance that adds real depth to this complex character.
"Ash has already proven himself to be a brilliant addition to the cast and we look forward to charting his journey as he reconnects with old friends and forges new relationships along the way."
Hannah was previously played by Grace Cassidy from July 2009 to June 2012, but the character left the village following the death of her father John Barton (James Thornton).
She was doing charity work abroad when her sister Holly Barton (Sophie Powles) tragically died and sent a holly bush to the funeral because she couldn’t attend the memorial.
Emmerdale introduces first regular transgender character
