Ash Palmisciano has been among the cast of Emmerdale for four years, having been part of some major storylines over the course of that period on the popular ITV soap.
The actor, 32, joined the show in 2018 as Matty Barton. The role is Emmerdale's first transgender character and Ash is said to have been the first transgender cast member.
Matty - who was played by Grace Cassidy, now 29, prior to the character transitioning - is the son of Moira Barton. Ash's on-screen mother is played by Natalie J. Robb, 48.
The character's storylines have included tension with Moira over his transition and later undergoing top surgery. He's also had a romance with Amy Wyatt, played by Natalie Ann Jamieson.
And whilst Ash has received acclaim and an award for the role, fans may not know much about his life off-screen. Here are some details about his career and personal life.
Career
Earlier in his career, Ash appeared in an episode of Boy Meets Girl and worked for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His big break however came in 2018 with Emmerdale.
The actor - who was assigned female at birth, but decided he wanted to transition in 2012 - didn't initially audition for a role on the ITV show. He instead was part of a workshop for the production.
Ash has previously revealed that he landed the role of Matty after being invited to act as a consultant for Emmerdale about a trans character. He later ended up auditioning.
He originally joined the soap with a three month contract but his character has remained a resident of the village for almost five years.
Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here .
He has described the role as a "dream come true". He's spoken about providing representation, saying he's become the person he "needed to see when [he] was younger."
Further discussing this, Ash said he's received messages from viewers, including young trans people. He recalled viewers saying the role has "opened up conversations".
Ash said: "[I hope it's helped in] normalising what it means to be trans. Matty is a very ordinary guy, who happens to be trans, and in the storyline, there is a lot more to him".
Family
Ash close with his family and has spoken about them on several occasions in the past and often posts photos of them on social media.
He has previously spoken about how his parents, Michelle and Adrian, have been supportive throughout his life. This included after he decided to transition.
Discussing his experience, he told ITV : "It wasn't easy by any means but we stuck together as a family through love." He added: "[We] all ventured into the unknown together."
"When I decided to face the truth of who I was and talk about it, I found I was more comfortable as Ash. [Mum] was very supportive and backed me all the way," he's also said.
Sadly, his mum passed away earlier this year. It has been reported that Michelle died in May, aged 60, due to complications from long-term rheumatoid arthritis.
Ash has described her as having been an "amazing mum". The actor further commented in an interview just last month : "Mum was the most important person in my life".
He said she was "so strong". Ash said she had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her late twenties but continued to fill him and sister Sophie's lives with positivity.
Relationship
Ash often posts photos of himself and girlfriend Shea. He went public with the relationship in January and the couple celebrated their first anniversary just last month.
Discussing his partner recently, Ash said she has been "incredibly supportive over the past few months". He added: "I'm glad Mum got to meet her a few times before she died."
The actor continued: "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]."
Friends
Ash appears to be close with some of his co-stars from Emmerdale. He's posted photos with fellow cast members outside of work on Instagram in the past.
This has included photos with his on-screen mother Natalie J. Robb and on-screen girlfriend Natalie Ann Jamieson. He's also been seen with Lawrence Robb - who plays Mackenzie Boyd - and others.
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
