Away from Emmerdale, Matty Barton star Ash Palmisciano is loved-up with his partner and went through a heartbreaking loss a few years back
Ash Palmisciano has become a firm favourite on Emmerdale playing Matty Barton – but what do we know about his real life?
The actor made his debut on the ITV soap back in 2018, as the son of soap legend Moira (Natalie J. Robb). And it’s fair to say he has played a part in several big storylines.
From a shock prison stint to his adorable marriage to Amy (Natalie Ann Jamieson), who died last year, his time in the Dales has not been short of memorable.
But who is actor Ash’s real-life partner? And what heartbreaking loss has he suffered? Here’s everything we know about the Matty Barton star.
Ash on his transition
In 2018, he got his big break on Emmerdale when he was cast as Matty Barton. Ash was originally brought in to advise soap bosses on their new transgender character, via the charity All About Trans.
Upon finding out Ash is an actor, Emmerdale bosses asked him to audition and soon cast him as Matty. The actor described his casting as a “big thing” and branded his character “groundbreaking”.
The 36-year-old has previously spoken about his own real-life transition, revealing to The Mirror that it differed hugely from Matty’s in Emmerdale. While Matty went through his transition alone, Ash said he was surrounded by family and support.
“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,” the actor said.
Ash on horrific abuse he faced in street
In 2024, Ash bravely opened up about the senseless abuse he faces just for his identity, but highlighted how many Emmerdale fans got in touch when he joined the soap. 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 shared: “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?”
Ashley’s family heartbreak
Ash sadly suffered his own personal grief in 2022 after the death of his beloved mum aged 60, after reported complications from long-term rheumatoid arthritis. He told The Mirror: “Mum was the most important person in my life.”
He then expressed his gratitude that Shea was able to meet his mum before she died. Ash revealed: “I’m glad Mum got to meet her a few times before she died.
“We’ve been through a lot in a short space of time. I believe lockdown taught us all that you know straight away if something’s meant to be, though.”
Ash’s romance with girlfriend
Away from the soap, actor Ash is in a relationship with his girlfriend Shea Rowan. The couple went Instagram official on New Year’s Eve as they rang in 2022 together.
Ash has previously spoken about Shea and gushed over his girlfriend for all of her support. He told OK! in 2024: “She’s really proud, and I’m very lucky to have her. She’s very level-headed and chilled-out.”
However, Ash quipped, “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
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