Emmerdale Matty’s downfall 'sealed' in heartbreaking twist - despite prison release

Emmerdale's Matty Barton was able to leave prison but the soap has now appeared to tease that the worst is yet to come for the beloved villager.

Matty on Emmerdale

Matty was released from prison - but things are looking to get worse (Image: ITV)

Emmerdale's Matty Barton has found himself free from prison - but it appears things are set to get worse for him.

The soap favourite (Ash Palmisciano) ended up behind bars last month after troublemaker Josh Cope (Osian Morgan) and Samson Dingle (Sam Hall) attempted to rob The Hide.

The pair threatened Matty and things quickly escalated though, when Josh pushed Samson into Matty - who was holding a knife - causing Samson to get stabbed.

Both Josh and Samson lied and said Matty deliberately caused the injury, and as a result, Matty was sent to prison. While in jail, Matty was left fearing for his life that his transgender identity would paint a target on his back.

Matty in prison in Emmerdale

Matty was wrongfully put behind bars (Image: ITV)

Things got so bad for Matty that he ended up getting his pal in prison Les to beat him up, so he could get out of prison for a few days. Unfortunately for Matty though, after a hospital stay, he quickly found himself back in prison.

Meanwhile Matty’s wife Amy (Natalie Ann Jamieson) and mum Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) were desperate to clear his name. Moira even kidnapped Samson, along with Mack Boyd (Lawrence Robb) to try and get Samson to tell the truth.

In recent episodes, Samson finally admitted to dad Sam (James Hooton) and Lydia (Karen Blick) that he had lied. He then went on to confess the truth to the police, backtracking on his original statement.

Emmerdale's Matty Barton

Matty started having flashbacks to prison (Image: ITV)

And during Wednesday’s episode (July 17), due to Samson’s confession, Matty had to attend a court hearing. And luckily for him, he was able to leave prison - leaving Moira and Amy delighted.

Matty soon arrived back in the Dales - but later on in the evening, Amy asked him to lock up before heading to bed. As he headed to the door, Matty then started having flashbacks to being in prison.

Appearing to hint at a potential PTSD storyline, Matty looked startled and had tears well up in his eyes as the vile chants from the prisoners could be heard, as well as the sounds of the prison doors slamming.

Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm.

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