Emmerdale Has Just Introduced Its First Regular Transgender Character

via ITV

Emmerdale has introduced its first ever transgender regular character, played by trans actor Ash Palmisciano.

Ash will play Matty Barton – previously Hannah – the son of Moira Dingle who is returning to the village later this month.

In episodes yet to air, Moira’s husband Cain will attack Matty when he believes him to be an intruder at Butler’s Farm, however, Moira will immediately recognise her child.

The storyline is a big change from late 2013, when a scene was cut after Samantha Valentine, a trans actress who portrayed a barmaid on the show, pointed out that it was transphobic.

Ash, who has previously appeared in Boy Meets Girl and Mum, spoke to Metro UK about his enthusiasm to take on the role:

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 groundbreaking character to play and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for him.

Emmerdale producer Kate Brooks was equally excited.

‘The character of Matty certainly knows how to make an impact: cheeky, effervescent, quick-witted and headstrong,” she says. “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.”

Fans of the show are delighted to see some trans representation in the cast:

Casting trans actors to play trans parts is setting a great example, well done @emmerdale 👍 https://t.co/sqgNB29opx

— aes 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ (@strengthtodream) June 7, 2018

Nicely done @emmerdale , proud of any soap, that proves they are so inclusive 🌈❤️💜💛💚💙🌈 #PrideMonth https://t.co/fjcxOxVtPq

— Lee-Mc (@mylifeinwordsuk) June 7, 2018

The character was previously played by Grace Cassidy from 2009 to 2012 when they left the village for London.

• LGBT
• trans issues