Matthew Wolfenden: Why did he leave Emmerdale after 17 years as David?

Matthew Wolfenden played David Metcalfe in Emmerdale for 17 years, but left abruptly in 2023, thanks to strict rules on the show. Matthew left to star...
Kerry Barrett
By Kerry Barrett

Matthew Wolfenden played David Metcalfe in Emmerdale for 17 years, but left abruptly in 2023, thanks to strict rules on the show.

Matthew left to star in a West End production of Elf, which went against Emmerdale’s strict “no pantos” rule.

But his departure came shortly after an explosive racism row rocked the cast and crew of the show.

Here’s everything we know about his exit and whether he could return.

Racism row for Matthew Wolfenden

Back in November 2021, it was reported that Matthew and his co-star Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden, had been involved in a furious row during filming alongside Aaron Anthony, who played Ellis Chapman.

At the time, it wasn’t revealed what went on but it was said the argument left onlookers feeling uncomfortable. No one was suspended at that point.

But later The Sun reported that a mixed-race actress was upset by an “inappropriate comment” made on set and that her accent was mimicked.

And the newspaper made the connection that both Matthew and Isabel had been absent from filming since the incident.

Both Matthew and Isabel denied any wrongdoing. Aaron Anthony, who was said to have confronted Matthew about the incident, left the show.

And Charley Webb – who was married to Matthew at the time – left her role as Debbie Dingle after 19 years.

Return to musical theatre

When the dust settled, Matthew won the role of Buddy in Elf. He therefore wanted to take a break to return to his musical theatre roots.

But Emmerdale bosses wouldn’t relax the show’s “no panto” rule for him and so he made the decision to quit.

He says the door has been left open and he could return one day.

David Metcalfe, aka Matthew Wolfenden looks teary
Matthew left Emmerdale after 17 years as David (Credit: ITV)

Marriage troubles

Meanwhile, his marriage to Charley Webb was in trouble.

Charley and Matthew had been married for five years, and together for a decade longer, when they called time on their relationship in the summer of 2023.

“It is with love and respect that Matthew and I have decided to separate,” Charley said in a statement on Instagram. “We remain friends and our priority is the love for our children.”

The couple have three kids – Buster, Bowie, and Ace.

Matthew is now in a relationship with choreographer and dancer Heather Scott-Martin.