Is David leaving Emmerdale in 2023?
EMMERDALE fans are gearing up to wave goodbye to one of the longest-running characters on the show.
David Metcalfe is set to leave the village after nearly two decades in the Dales.
Who is David Metcalfe on Emmerdale?
David Metcalfe arrived in Emmerdale in 2006 looking for his estranged father, Eric Pollard.
During his time in the Dales he has established himself as a ladies man, and has multiple romances.
He has been married twice - once to Tracy Metcalf, and also to Alicia Gallagher.
David also runs the local shop, and is dad to Amba and Theo Metcalfe, and step-son to Jacob Gallagher.
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Who plays David Metcalfe on Emmerdale?
David is portrayed by actor Matthew Wolfenden, who has played the role since 2006.
The actor kicked off his career by being cast in the musical Saturday Night Fever.
While most know him for Emmerdale, he has also taken part in Hollyoaks spin-off, Let Loose, and had a one-off part in drama The Courtroom.
Matthew also appeared on reality show Dancing on Ice in 2012, and edged out Jorgie Porter to win the competition.
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He also stripped off for charity in the The Real Full Monty.
Matthew’s stand-out moments on Emmerdale include David wearing ex-fiancée Leyla Harding’s wedding dress to The Woolpack.
The actor was married to fellow Emmerdale star Charley Webb who played Debbie Dingle.
However, the pair revealed they had split up in November 2023.
Is David Metcalfe leaving Emmerdale?
After a series of unfortunate events involving his son, father and ex-girlfriend, fans will watch David leave the Dales.
The character's last scenes will be on December 1, 2023.
Viewers will watch him quit the famous village after the news that his step-son Jacob is having an affair with his ex Victoria Sugden becomes too much for him to handle.
David's dad Eric Pollard's Parkinson's diagnosis has also caused him to runaway.
Why is Matthew Wolfenden leaving Emmerdale?
In September 2023, it was revealed that Matthew had quit Emmerdale after 17 years, with the actor revealing "it's time".
Speaking on This Morning he said: "I'm so nervous about leaving, almost two decades."
However, Matthew went on to tease that he could be back in the future, and said: "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."
However, an insider told The Sun that Matthew quit the soap as he was "bored" with his character’s plotlines.
A TV source said at the time: “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.”
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Following his departure news, Matthew has has already lined up his next role as Buddy in the musical adaptation of Elf.
He is appear at London's Dominion Theatre over Christmas 2023.