Actor Matthew Wolfenden, who has played David Metcalfe in Emmerdale for 17 years, is reportedly leaving the ITV soap opera.

According to The Sun, the actor is about to leave his time on the show. Wolfenden is reportedly seeking for a change since his character hasn’t had any tough plotlines in a while.

When contacted by Digital Spy over the star’s probable exit from the soap, ITV denied to comment.

Wolfenden wouldn’t be the first significant character to leave Emmerdale this year; in recent months, Fiona Wade, Darcy Grey, Max Fletcher, Karene Peter, and Bhasker Patel have all also left.

Dan Spencer’s actor Liam Fox also left the show last week, and there are questions about Samantha Giles’ potential replacement as Bernice Blackstock.

Despite certain cast changes, recurring character Dominic Brunt recently discussed Paddy Dingle’s future growth, who is enduring a difficult period for his mental health.

“I believe he is aware of how crucial it is to express your emotions. In that regard, he was pretty emotionally immature, the man remarked. The problem with many males is that we emulate our fathers, who in turn emulate their fathers, who in turn emulate their fathers.

“I believe that is slowly but certainly changing. He most definitely no longer feels stupid for sounding so openly sensitive.

“Once people promise to help him, he is OK and makes it there. He clarifies his justifications and says that he feels much better as a result, the actor continued.