“This proves that I was right to never give up!”
All of our nominees are buzzing to be up for awards, but Ash Palmisciano is by far the most excited – and thrilled to be taking part in our shoot. The star is grinning as we discuss his nod for Best Newcomer, that comes as a result of his groundbreaking debut as Emmerdale’s first-ever transgender character, Matty…
How are you enjoying your first Inside Soap photo shoot?
The team has been so lovely. The hair, make-up and costume people, and the photographer have made it so relaxing and fun. Believe it or not, I don’t like having my photo taken! I am feeling particularly snazzy in this suit – Inside Soap Awards-ready, in fact – but you know when your mate takes a picture for Instagram? I’m usually the one that’s like, “Nah don’t get me in it”! Once you start acting in a show like Emmerdale, you just have to rip off the plaster and give this stuff a go. There has to be at least one good picture in there!
How would you sum up your Emmerdale experience so far?
As an actor, you can only dream to land a part in an iconic soap like Emmerdale. There has never been a transgender character in the show, so it’s been absolutely incredible.
Has all of it changed your life?
Definitely. I love it if I’m walking down the street in my home town and someone shouts “Matty!” at me, or if they just want to tell me that they enjoyed the previous night’s episode. It’s still a novelty to me!
It must have been a nice surprise to hear that you’re nominated for Best Newcomer, then?
I cannot believe it, and my mum is over the moon! Just before I got this job, it was getting to the point where I was thinking, ‘What am I going to do with my life if I can’t make this acting thing work?’ I was having very serious chats with my family and they were saying, “You’re doing very well, you’ve had some really good theatre gigs – but what about your future?” So being nominated means everything to me. I was right to follow my dream and not give up.
Were you apprehensive taking on the role, knowing that people would naturally ask questions about your own life?
I’ve always played male roles since I transitioned, as I was worried about being typecast. But I made the decision to play Matty because if you want to see change in the world, you’ve got to go for it. I knew it was a storyline that would cause a bit of a stir, but I couldn’t have asked for a better reception. I recently met two amazing ladies in their eighties who stopped me in the street. They said what I’m doing is great, and that you should never worry what people think. So if I’m having this chat with an 84-year-old lady, the story is doing a good thing, right?
Absolutely! What has been your favourite Matty moment so far?
My first episode. Not only did I get chucked across a table by Cain Dingle, but Matty came out to Moira for the first time, and it was just an intense and really explosive episode to film.
What was your first impression of Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira, when you met her?
I first met Natalie at my screen-test audition, and straight away she gave me a very welcoming, massive hug and we clicked instantly. The fact that we genuinely get on has helped our bond as mother and son in the show.
Would you like to see Adam Barton return to pose an obstacle for Matty and Victoria?
That would be incredible! It’s interesting in terms of Matty reconnecting with his brother, and I think he needs a good male role model. However, the Victoria situation would cause absolute fire! I don’t know if there are plans for Adam [Thomas, aka Adam] to return, but what a story that would be if he did!