Emmerdale legend Matthew Wolfenden bags first new TV role since quitting soap after 17 years
Matthew Wolfenden has reportedly signed up for a new TV show since his surprise exit from ITV's Emmerdale was confirmed last year after 17 years on the soa
An Emmerdale favourite and veteran has reportedly signed up for his first new TV role since leaving the soap after a glorious career on the hit show.
Matthew Wolfenden, famed for his role as David Metcalfe in ITV’s popular soap, has reportedly snagged a spot on a new TV show following his unexpected departure from the soap last year after a 17-year stint. He first appeared on Emmerdale in 2006 and recently confirmed his exit on This Morning, telling viewers: “It feels like the right time. The door’s left open. They’re not killing me off, I’ve been promised. I’m allowed to tell you that. So who knows, I might be back, we will see.”
Post-Emmerdale, Matthew dived into podcasting with Celebrity Side Hustles alongside ex-co-star Roxy Shahidi. But fans eager to see him back on their screens might just get their wish. It’s rumoured that he’s lined up for the upcoming season of BBC’s Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
A source told The Sun: “Matthew has signed up for the show – he thinks it’ll be a laugh and fun to be on TV as himself, not his soap character.” Celebrity Antiques Road Trip, airing on BBC Two, features celebs like Gemma Collins, and Love Island’s Davide and Ekin-Su trying their hand at profiting from vintage finds.
In 2018, Matthew walked down the aisle with his co-star Charley Webb, who portrayed Debbie Dingle, and they are proud parents to three boys. Matthew’s decision to depart the soap was attributed to a dearth of “gritty storylines,”, according to an insider who spoke to the paper: “Matthew has had an amazing time on the soap, but feels ready for a change. He hasn’t been getting any gritty storylines recently so wants to see what else is out there. He’s a fan favourite so will get a lot of support in whatever he decides to do next.”
Adding to this, the source said: “He’s very excited about the opportunities available. He’s only just announced he is leaving so scriptwriters are working out his on-screen exit.”
