EMMERDALE star Matthew Wolfenden is leaving the ITV soap after 17 years.
The actor, 43, who plays David Metcalfe, faced a race-row probe in 2021.
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Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden has quit the ITV soap after 17 yearsCredit: Getty
The popular star’s shock decision comes as he blames a lack of gritty storylines for his soap exit.
Matthew, 43 — loved by millions as shopkeeper David Metcalfe since 2006 — and co-star Isabel Hodgins were absent from the Yorkshire set for four months.
They returned but Matthew has told pals he has been bored with his character’s recent plotlines.
A TV source said: “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.”
In 2021 The Sun on Sunday told how ITV had conducted a vigorous inquiry into allegations of a comment to a mixed-race actress, plus her claims that her accent was mimicked.
Bosses accepted the explanation from Matthew and Isabel — his former flame Victoria Sugden — that the alleged remark and mimicry were “misheard”.
No formal action was taken against the pair.
At the time of the probe, they had been filming a dramatic plot in which Victoria went over a waterfall.
Off screen, Yorkshireman Matthew has been at the centre of a relationship drama to rival the soap’s.
In 2007, he began dating co-star Charley Webb, 35, who played Debbie Dingle.
They got engaged on Christmas Day 2009 and welcomed son Buster in 2010.
But they split in 2013 after Klaire Holloway, then 25, told The Sun on Sunday that she had a secret one-night stand with him.
Matthew and Charley got back together again two years later, with the actor explaining: “It was never a permanent split. We just needed some time apart.”
Their second son, Bowie Grey, was born in 2015.
The couple wed at Ripley Castle, North Yorks, in 2018, and third son, Ace, was born in July 2019.
In 2012 Matthew won Dancing on Ice with Russian skater Nina Ulanova.
Matthew’s stand-out moments included David wearing ex-fiancée Leyla Harding’s wedding dress to The Woolpack.
Asked in 2021 why he had not been axed he said: “Maybe they haven’t anyone else to run the shop.
“You just have to keep focused on work and never be late. And always be nice to the producer.
“I love coming into work, the moment I don’t is when I’d say, ‘Right it’s time to leave now’.”
Emmerdale declined to comment.
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Matthew said he was bored with the recent storylines given to him by bossesCredit: ITV
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Emmerdale bosses declined to comment on Matthew’s decision to quit the soapCredit: Rex
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No action was taken against Matthew following ITV’s internal investigationCredit: Rex
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Matthew’s co-star Isabel Hodgins was also suspended as part of the 2021 probeCredit: Rex
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