Emmerdale's Matthew Wolfenden lands new job in London after leaving soap
Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden has announced an exciting new work project after confirming his departure from the show after nearly two decades.
The 43-year-old, best known for playing David Metcalfe on the ITV soap, has swapped the screen for the stage as he takes on one of the biggest roles of his career to date.
Matthew took to Instagram on Monday to share photos of rehearsing for Elf: The Musical, ahead of its premiere at the Dominion Theatre in London next week. The stage production of the popular 2003 Christmas movie will see the award-winning actor take on the role the lovable protagonist Buddy, who leaves the North Pole on a mission to reunite with his biological father in New York City.
Matthew plays Buddy the Elf in the hilarious musical adaptation of the 2003 film (Matt Crockett)"Son of a Nutcracker! Elf was released on the big screen 20 years ago today," Matthew captioned the post, which includes a series of snaps from the intense training for the big night. "To celebrate this and the fact that #ElfTheMusical opens at @DominionTheatre next week, we're sharing a sneak peek into our rehearsal room."
In one of the snaps, Matthew can be seen lifting Georgina Castle, who has been cast as Buddy's love interest, Jovie, into the air as she smiles gleefully. In another, the human elf – who was played by Will Ferrell in the original movie – is looking up at sales assistant Jovie as she stands on a ladder.
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Matthew Wolfenden and Georgina Castle in rehearsals for Elf: The Musical (Matt Crockett)
Matthew and Charley Webb married after meeting on the set of Emmerdale (Getty Images Europe)"I’m so looking forward to come see you! It looks so much fun!" one person wrote in the comment section beneath the behind-the-scenes post, while another said, "Ah, looks amazing Matthew." In August, it was widely reported that Matthew planned to leave Emmerdale after 17 years in a hope to challenge himself with other roles.
"Matthew has had an amazing time on the soap, but feels ready for a change," a source told the Sun. "He hasn't been getting any gritty storylines recently so wants to see what else is out there."
Matthew confirmed the news on Loose Women the following month, admitting that he is "so nervous" to leave after "nearly two decades" on Emmerdale. "But it feels like the right time," he added. Fans of the ITV soap can also rest assured that David Metcalfe will not be killed off, leaving he door open for a possible return in the future.
"They’re not killing me off. I’ve been promised…and I am allowed to tell you that," Matthew continued. "Who knows, I might be back."
Matthew then gushed about how important his Emmerdale job had been to him over the years, calling the show a "massive part of my life." He also credited it for enhancing both his personal and professional life, after meeting his wife, Charley Webb, on the iconic soap. Matthew married his fellow TV actor, who plays Debbie Dingle on the show, in 2018, nine years after they welcomed their first child together. Today, the couple are the proud parents of three sons; Buster, Bowie and Ace.
However, it has recently been speculated the couple are on the rocks. The power couple have been together for more than 20 years but, in recent months, they have reportedly been 'living separate' lives.
"Charley and Matthew were in very different places in their lives when they first got together. Three kids later and with new careers in the mix, everything has changed and perhaps they are no longer the unit they once were," a source told The Sun.
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