Emmerdale star secretly quit ITV show - but viewers failed to notice

14 December 2023 , 12:26

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Emmerdale viewers have finally learned the fate of David Metcalfe's young son, Theo (Image: ITV)

Matthew Wolfenden's Emmerdale exit was a well-publicised one when he departed the ITV soap last month - but the fate of another character seemingly went unnoticed at the time.

The 43-year old's character, David Metcalfe, left the village after discovering his ex, Vic Sugden (played by Isabelle Hodgins) and Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) were in a secret relationship. David had earlier spent several weeks pondering if he could reunite - only to learn she had developed feelings for his adopted son.

It prompted David to head to London and seek refuge from the apparent betrayal with his daughter Amber and her mum, Priya. On leaving the Dales, however, there was no mention of his biological son, Theo, which left fans confused as to the whereabouts of the youngster.

David left the Dales after discovering his ex, Vic, was in a relationship with his adopted son, Jacob (ITV)

Emotional scenes saw David waved off by his pals, but there was no mention or sighting of poor Theo. The matter was seemingly addressed during Tuesday's episode (December 12) though as dialogue between characters alluded to the pair leaving together.

Viewers took to X (formerly Twitter) following the instalment to express their relief that the young character hadn't been forgotten after all. "Theo mention - he did go with David!" declared one user. Another added: "So the invisible Theo did go with David." And a third said: "They have suddenly remembered Theo!"

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A day earlier fans had joked that the authorities should be involved in the toddler's care. One user wrote: "Have they forgotten him?? I'd call in social services as David didn't take him?" And a second agreed: "#Emmerdale still no word on Theo, David's son who wasn't taken to London and isn't in the village. Someone needs to call Social Services."

Matthew has also suffered heartbreak in 'real life' recently too, meanwhile, having split from his wife and former co-star Charley Webb after 15 years. The couple wed in 2018 and share sons Buster, 12, Bowie, six, and Ace, three.

On November 22, however, both Charley and Matthew released statements on their social media accounts, ending months of speculation by confirming their split and vowing to "remain friends". Charley, who played Debbie Dingle between 2002 and 2021, wrote: "It is with love and respect that Matthew and I have decided to separate. We remain friends and our priority is the love for our children. For their sake we would appreciate privacy at this time."

Matthew shared the same message on his Instagram story signing off with 'M'. On the night they announced their split, it was reported Matthew had been seen kissing personal trainer and musical theatre star, Heather Scott Martin outside a London theatre. An onlooker told the Sun at the time: "They looked like honeymooners, or loved-up teenagers."

Alan Johnson