Ash Palmisciano, known to Emmerdale viewers as Matty Barton, has spoken publicly about his private life, including his relationship with girlfriend Shea Rowan and the death of his mother in 2022. The actor joined the ITV soap in 2018, playing the son of Moira, portrayed by Natalie J. Robb.
His time in the Dales has included a prison sentence and his wedding to Amy, played by Natalie Ann Jamieson, who died last year. Palmisciano made history as the first transgender character on Emmerdale.
Breakthrough role and personal transition
Palmisciano was initially invited to advise soap producers on their new transgender character through the charity All About Trans. After learning he was an actor, Emmerdale executives asked him to audition and later cast him as Matty. He described the casting as a "big thing" and called the character "groundbreaking".
The 36-year-old has discussed his own transition, telling The Mirror it differed from Matty's storyline. While Matty transitioned in isolation, Palmisciano said he had family support throughout.
"My life is unlike Matty's. I had family around me from the start, so it is definitely different. Matty's story might not be the same as mine, but it has helped having that insight into how he might feel," he said.
Abuse and family heartbreak
In 2024, Palmisciano spoke about the harassment he faces because of his identity, while highlighting the support he received from Emmerdale viewers. He told The Mirror: "I've experienced trolling. I've heard horrific language and had disturbing threats."
"But actually, when I joined Emmerdale, I was shocked by how many people wanted to talk and share their own experiences. I keep one letter in my bag that's so touching about the difference the character made to someone, and to their family."
Recalling one incident, he said: "One time, a guy had clearly had a lot of alcohol, he was angry and aggressive and came up to my face and told me, 'No matter how hard you try, you'll never be a man.' I know he'd had a lot to drink, but surely he must have known how hurtful that can be?"
Palmisciano experienced personal loss in 2022 when his mother died aged 60, following reported complications from long-term rheumatoid arthritis. He told The Mirror: "Mum was the most important person in my life."
Romance with Shea Rowan
Palmisciano is in a relationship with girlfriend Shea Rowan. The couple made their relationship public on New Year's Eve, celebrating the arrival of 2022 together on Instagram.
Speaking to OK! in 2024, he praised Shea for her support: "She's really proud, and I'm very lucky to have her. She's very level-headed and chilled-out."
He added: "Shea was a bit annoyed that I got married in the show. She helps me learn my lines and really helps me with the wedding stuff. We're good mates with Natalie [Ann Jamieson] and her partner too - we live quite close to each other, so we all hang out together."
Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 8:00pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
