Matthew Wolfenden has quit 'Emmerdale' after 17 years.
Matthew Wolfenden has quit 'Emmerdale'
The 43-year-old star has played shopkeeper David Metcalfe on the ITV soap since 2006 but is said to have become frustrated with the lack of gritty storylines for his character.
A source told The Sun on Sunday newspaper: "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."
Matthew - who is married to his former 'Emmerdale' co-star Charley Webb - previously suggested that he would only leave the soap if he was no longer happy on the programme.
Asked why he had not been axed in 2021, 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'."
The actor was memorably involved in the show's rope bridge collapse storyline two years ago and was thankful for the support of co-star Isabel Hodgins because he is "terrified" of heights.
He said: "I’m not great with heights. When we had to do the bridge stuff, Isabel was just absolutely amazing.
"We were on wires so there was no way we could fall but when your 60ft above the water and you’re clinging onto a broken bridge, it’s absolutely terrifying."
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