Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden is leaving his role as David Metcalfe in the soap after 17 years.
The actor’s decision to leave was, according to The Sun, prompted by a lack of gritty storylines in recent times.
A source told 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. 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. It’s possible David could be killed off.”
David has been a part of various hard-hitting stories since arriving in the village in 2006 as Eric Pollard’s long-lost son, including battling testicular cancer and being taken in by Maya Stepney, who groomed his teenage stepson, Jacob.
Matthew is married to Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale between 2003-2021, and they have three children together.
Following allegations that ‘the accent of a mixed-raced actress was mimicked’ on set, Matthew and co-star Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria Sugden, were written out of the ITV soap for a few months in 2021.
Emmerdale airs Monday-Friday at 7.30pm on ITV and STV
