Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano praised as he shares transition story

Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano has been praised after sharing his transition story on social media. The actor has played Matty Barton since 2018, becoming the soap's first transgender actor, while Matty is the first trans character on the ITV show.

Ash opened up about his own journey in a powerful new Instagram post, beginning: "Everyone's got a Story haven't they… I'm Ash, I wanted to be a presenter as a kid, and now work as an Actor on TV.

"I'm an uncle, a brother, a son, a tea drinker, love a beach holiday, love dogs and a Chinese takeaway and also happen to be a transman. I did something cool recently and wish I'd of met people like this when I was younger.

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"Truth is… I didn't wanna be trans.. I didn't think people would get it, and didn't want to let my family down!" Ash recalled, explaining that he "really tried everything not to be" and "didn't want people to think I was weird".

"I wanted to be liked and accepted and fit in. But I couldn't hide anymore. Because transitioning wasn't a choice! It was the only option left."

The star shared that becoming "truly" himself "changed everything" in a way he couldn't have "imagined", elaborating: "I could actually breathe and be free to make some choices and design a life that felt like mine! It was like I was finally in the game not just watching from the side lines.

"It wasn't easy… I hated myself! So unpicking that takes a lot of hard work and transition takes yearssss it's gruelling! But I kept going and then I finally started to see myself! I finally got the head space to remember who I was and returned to connecting to people, hobbies, things I loved."

Ash further reflected on landing his role of Matty in Emmerdale and being able to tell stories as a trans character, before adding: "I'll never regret coming out and transitioning… I just wish it wasn't so hard at times. But turns out even when being you, isn't easy! It gives you a freedom that leads you to your best life.

"I don't live to impress others now, do what you love! That's what all the coolest adults I meet do… Because it's your life and you've earnt the right to be there. Anyway F**K Em! Life's too short to fit in! And if there's no one quite like you! You become the person you needed to see."

Ash has since received a huge amount of praise in the comments, with Love Island star Tasha Ghouri sharing heart emojis.

"You inspire me everyday. You're a hero Ash x," another fan wrote, a third saying: "Aw Ash, I love this and I love you! You are so amazing and such an inspiration!!!"

"Thank you for sharing this insight in to who you I resonate so much and you are so right about giving ourselves freedom to be whoever we want," added another fan.

Earlier this year, Ash opened up about the impact of his Emmerdale character to mark Trans Day of Visibility, sharing that he met a young trans person who had been kicked out of their home by their mother.

"They went to live with their nan who happened to watch Emmerdale and knew all about Matty and, eight years later, that person is now a successful teacher and they have a great relationship with their nan and their nan was able to talk about it because of this story," the actor said, noting that "visibility is important and it is needed".

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 8pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.

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