Emmerdale’s Ash Palmisciano opens up about his relationship with his rarely-seen girlfriend
Emmerdale’s Ash Palmisciano looked completely smitten as he cuddled up to his long-term partner.
The star joined the ITV soap in 2018 as Matty Barton, making history as the show’s first transgender actor. Playing the on-screen son of village stalwart Moira (Natalie J. Robb), the 36-year-old has been central to several major storylines.
Matty’s journey has included undergoing top surgery, facing imprisonment, and experiencing the heartbreak of his marriage to Amy (Natalie Ann Jamieson), who tragically passed away last year—ensuring his time in the village has been full of high-stakes drama.
Off-screen, Ash enjoys a happy romance with his partner Shea Rowan. The couple made their relationship public on New Year’s Eve 2021, celebrating the start of 2022 together, according to The Mirror.
Recently, Ash sent fans into a flutter after sharing a gorgeous snap of the couple on his Instagram Story. The Polaroid captured them looking utterly in love.
Previously, Ash has spoken warmly about Shea, praising her for her constant support. In a 2024 interview with OK!, he said: “She’s really proud, and I’m very lucky to have her. She’s so level-headed and chilled-out.”
Ash joked: “Shea was a bit annoyed that I got married on the show. She helps me learn my lines and really supports me with all the wedding scenes.”
He added: “We’re good friends with Natalie [Ann Jamieson] and her partner too—we live quite close, so we all hang out together.”
Off-screen, Ash suffered a heartbreaking loss in 2022 when his beloved mother passed away at the age of 60, reportedly due to complications from long-term rheumatoid arthritis.
He told The Mirror: “Mum was the most important person in my life.” Ash went on to express his gratitude that Shea had the chance to meet his mother before she passed. He said: “I’m glad Mum got to meet her a few times before she died.
“We’ve been through a lot in a short period. I think lockdown showed us that you immediately know if something’s meant to be.”
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