28 November 2023 , 08:07
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Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden has been spotted with his new girlfriend just days after confirming his split from wife Charley Webb.
The 43 year old actor looked relaxed as he was photographed with his new love interest, who he has reportedly been enjoying 'secret dates' with. Matthew is said to be in a relationship with personal trainer and musical theatre star Heather Scott Martin. Heather is understood to be starring in Elf the Musical as the swing/dance captain, while Matthew takes on the lead role as Buddy.
Heather, a West End star who trained at the prestigious Brit Performing Arts School, has performed in various musicals such as Mamma Mia, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast. She also offers personal training services, with a work page revealing the motto: "Leave the past behind, focus on what you can do now."
Matthew and Heather reportedly began dating before the soap star's split from Charley Webb was announced (No Credit)
The pair looked relaxed in one another's company (No Credit)Pictures show the couple walking hand in hand as they walked together in London.
Matthew, who shares three children with his ex-wife, was seen dressed in a white over-sized shirt jacket with a grey top underneath – along with a pair of black trousers and a pair of grey trainers. He accessorised his look with a beige and black bum bag which was attached around his chest and clutched onto a beige cap.
Emmerdale's Charley Webb forced to close down dream business after leaving soap
The soap actor's new girlfriend, Heather, sported a black hoodie with a pair of light trousers and had a large slouchy handbag flung over one shoulder while resting her hands in the pocket of the hoodie.
Heather's short brunette bob was in a straight style and she sported a pair of small drop earrings as she chatted with her new beau while walking down the street. Photos show the pair looking relaxed and happy in one another's company, with one image showing the pair sitting down outside together while Heather holds her phone in one hand and Matthew beams from ear to ear.
Soap star Matthew and his new belle were seen chatting while sitting together (No Credit)A source described them as looking like 'honeymooners' or 'love-up teenagers.' The source added that Watford-based Heather had been 'wary' about getting involved with Matthew too soon. "She was trying not to be seen with him, standing away from the stage door when he emerged from show rehearsals and shows," they told The Sun.
"But now the cat is out of the bag. Heather is a clean-cut, popular woman who was desperate not to be painted as Matthew's 'other woman'."
"She's not happy about being thrust into the conversation of his celebrity marriage breakdown."
On Wednesday, November 22, both Charley and Matthew released statements on their social media accounts, confirming their split but vowing to "remain friends." Charley, 35, told her followers: "It is with love and respect that Matthew and I have decided to separate."
The pair are like 'loved up teenagers', according to a source (No Credit)
Matthew announced his split from Charley Webb days ago (WireImage)The David Metcalfe actor also reposted the same statement from his perspective on his Instagram. Matthew was spotted without his wedding ring after an appearance on Channel 4's Steph's Packed Lunch just days before they announced their split, while Charley was also seen without her wedding ring in public.
The couple had previously split in 2013 for two years before surprising fans by throwing an unexpected wedding in 2018. Matthew told The Mirror at the time that their separation was never meant to be 'permanent.'
"It was never a permanent split, we just needed some time apart. Sometimes life just gets on top of you. We had a 'terrible' two-year-old at the time and needed time to look at what we had, but it was the best thing we could have done."
The pair share three children together; Buster, 13, Bowie, eight, and Ace, four.
Charley Webb's life away from Emmerdale as she's forced to shut down business
Just hours after the statements were posted online, Matthew was spotted with Heather walking arm in arm. The couple has yet to confirm their romance, with reports suggesting that he has kept it a secret from most of his theatre co-stars.
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