Emmerdale star Ash Palmisciano has revealed whether the dynamic between Matty Barton and Samson Dingle can ever be the same again.

Matty is currently facing a tough time in prison following Samson’s false allegations over the recent stabbing incident at The Hide.

Samson was accidentally injured during an attempted robbery at the bar and restaurant last month. The teen’s friend Josh Cope has pressured him into claiming that Matty attacked him deliberately with a knife.

Samson and Josh have stuck to their false story to stay out of trouble for the robbery, but Matty’s mum Moira and wife Amy have remained determined to expose the truth.

Speaking to Digital Spy and other media about whether Matty can ever forgive Samson, Ash explained: “Right now, Matty is so hurt and confused as to how he even got to this point. One minute, he was just going about his everyday life and the next minute he was in prison. He knows that the truth hasn’t quite come out yet.

“Matty is feeling a real injustice, disappointment and hurt mostly. The two families are so closely tied and obviously Cain Dingle is Matty’s stepdad. Samson is a Dingle and it’s really confusing for Matty – he doesn’t understand why Samson hasn’t just told the truth.”

However, he continued: “Interestingly enough, I think Matty also understands the pressure that Samson has been under. There was a storyline we did a few years ago, where Matty got involved with some more toxic sort of guys.

“In that storyline, Matty tried to behave like them, thinking that’s the way to be and that’s how every young guy should be. Matty wanted to fit in.

“I think Samson’s in a situation where he feels trapped and he can’t really speak out against Josh. So I think knowing Matty, knowing how forgiving he is, I think one day he will forgive him but it’s going to take some doing.

“Matty is all about authenticity. He likes the truth. He likes sincerity and honesty – so I think he really wants to see that from Samson first.”

Ash also discussed the fan reaction to Matty’s ordeal, which takes another worrying turn next week when his character experiences transphobia at the prison.

He said: “I think viewers were quite shocked that a character like Matty has ended up in prison. I’ve had some lovely messages from fans who say that they want ‘that Josh character sorted out’ and they want Samson to tell the truth.