Fans of Emmerdale may have to say goodbye to Matthew Wolfenden shortly.

Since 2006, Emmerdale has featured 43-year-old Matthew Wolfenden as David Metcalfe. Character David has been a part of a number of significant plotlines over the years.

He has transformed from a naughty boy to one of the community’s most beloved figures. According to reports, Matthew Wolfenden has left his position as David Metcalfe in Emmerdale and could leave the ITV soap in the near future.

Matthew has had a fantastic time on the soap opera, but is ready for a change, a source told The Sun. He wants to see what else is available because he hasn’t recently been receiving any grim narratives.

He will have a lot of support for whatever he chooses to do next because he is a fan favourite. The opportunities are inspiring him greatly. He very recently announced his departure, so the writers are still planning his on-screen goodbye. There’s a chance David won’t survive.

Official confirmation of Matthew’s departure from Emmerdale is still pending. But before he might, we thought we’d share with you some information about his life outside of the soap opera.

Sporting prospect

In West Yorkshire’s Norwood Green, Matthew Wolfenden was born. His high school of education was Brighouse.

Up until the age of 16, Matthew competed for the British gymnastics team. He broke his back when he collapsed while practising with the rings. Due to this, he was unable to continue his gymnastics, and after recovering he resorted to acting. Matthew made appearances in Hollyoaks: Let Loose and The Courtroom prior to joining Emmerdale.

Marriage to Charley Webb

Matthew Wolfenden and Charley Webb, a former Emmerdale co-star, have been together for a while. In 2018, Matthew wed the 35-year-old. The couple told attendees they were attending Charley’s 30th birthday celebration rather than that they were getting married.

At the arrival of their 100 guests at Ripley Castle in Harrogate, they were given the unexpected information that they would be getting married instead.

The couple’s first kid, a boy named Buster, was born in April 2010; their second son, Bowie, was born in December 2015. In July 2019, they welcomed their third son, Ace.

Charley Webb has experienced success in a variety of jobs since leaving Emmerdale. She made notable appearances in the Yorkshire Ripper thriller The Long Shadow and the Leeds-set BBC series Better.

Race row

While filming the serial opera in 2021, Matthew and his co-star Isabel Hodgins reportedly got into a fight over race.

As a result, the couple took a two-month hiatus from Emmerdale. Later, it was revealed that a complaint had been filed as a result of an offensive remark made to a mixed-race actress.

After the reports, Matthew and Isabel both resumed filming. The Sun on Sunday reported at the time that ITV had done a thorough investigation into the claims and obtained witness statements. Matthew and Isabel’s justification was accepted by their employers, who permitted their return to work.

There was no formal action taken against the actors.