Moira Dingle (played by Natalie J. Robb) will be shocked to her core when she and Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) discover someone has broken into Butler’s Farm.
When Cain knocks out Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) after mistaking him for an intruder, Moria will instantly recognise him as her daughter Hannah.
Having transitioned during his many years away from Emmerdale, Matty will make an unexpected return at the end of the month.
Will Matty be welcomed with open arms and accepted? And how will Moira and the Barton family cope with his transition?
Teasing the upcoming storyline, ITV producer Kate Brooks said: “The character of Matty certainly knows how to make an impact: cheeky, effervescent, quick-witted and headstrong.
“It’s not long before he’s charmed his way into the affections of all those who meet him.”
She added: “His tale of a man trying to shake off his past and find acceptance in the present is full of emotion, humour and ultimately hope as he settles back into rural village life, turning Moira’s world upside down in the process.”
Welcoming Ash to the team, she continued: “We are absolutely thrilled to have Ash on board to play this role.
“A skillful actor of great talent, he exudes charisma and there’s an unflinching honesty to his performance that adds real depth to this complex character.
“Ash has already proven himself to be a brilliant addition to the cast and we look forward to charting his journey as he reconnects with old friends and forges new relationships along the way.”
Meanwhile, Ash said: “I’m very excited to be joining the very welcoming Emmerdale family. From nervous auditions to now working alongside the team daily has been truly amazing.
“Matty’s a groundbreaking character to play and I can’t wait to see what’s ahead for him.”
Ash is the second new cast member to join the series in recent weeks, as the casting for Charity’s estranged son was previously revealed.
Actor James Moore will take on the role of Ryan Stocks, who suffers from Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, and was abandoned by Charity more than two decades ago.
Kate promised Ryan’s arrival would throw a “spanner in the works” and teased “unexpected twists” to come.
“We are absolutely delighted to welcome James to the show; an actor of real skill, talent and charisma,” she said.
“As to be expected with his Dingle heritage, the character of Ryan is feisty, funny and reckless, and with an unquenchable zest for life.”
Clearly pleased to have landed the role, James exclaimed: “I’m so excited to have joined the Emmerdale cast. Everyone is so welcoming and friendly and I’m having a great time playing Ryan.
“I leapt a mile when I got the call and I was over the moon to hear that I had got the part.”
Emmerdale continues tonight on ITV at 7pm.
