Emmerdale’s David Metcalfe exit theories: How will Matthew Wolfenden depart the soap after 17 years – as speculation grows there will a ‘shock death and surprise reunion’

Emmerdale’s David Metcalfe exit theories: How will Matthew Wolfenden leave the soap after 17 years – as speculation grows there will be a ‘shock death and surprise reunion’

Matthew Wolfenden has reportedly given up his role as David Metcalfe in the ITV soap after 17 years.

And now Emmerdale would have a big plot up his sleeve for David’s departure.

The actor, 43, who first joined the show in 2006, has been involved in a number of major storylines over the years.

With huge speculation that David could be killed off the show, a surprise reunion and shocking return of Maya Stepney could also be on the cards.

A source told The Sun: ‘Matthew has had a great time on the soap but feels ready for a change. He hasn’t gotten into any gritty storylines lately, so he wants to see what else is out there.

Shocking leave of absence: Matthew Wolfenden has reportedly quit his role as David Metcalfe in the ITV soap after 17 years

Departing: The actor, 43, who first joined the show in 2006, has been involved in some big storylines over the years

Departing: The actor, 43, who first joined the show in 2006, has been involved in some big storylines over the years

“He’s a fan favourite, so he’s going to have a lot of support whatever he decides to do next.”

Before adding: “He is very excited about the opportunities available. He’s only just announced he’s leaving, so screenwriters are fleshing out his departure on screen. It is possible that David will be killed.’

On the soap, David was diagnosed with testicular cancer, which could possibly be the cause of his ‘departure’.

And if he dated serial killer Meena Jutla, who was angry when David dumped her for Victora Sugden, will she shockingly return?

When David was dumped on his doorstep at Christmas in 2019 with a baby boy on his doorstep after becoming pregnant with Maya, it was initially unknown who the father was.

But when she went to jail, it was soon confirmed that David was Theo’s father.

Will she make a shocking return to get her son Theo back?

Another theory could be that David will reunite with Jacob’s stepmother Alicia Gallagher, whom he was also married to before she fled in 2015, and start a life in Portugal, where she lives.

MailOnline has contacted ITV representatives for comment.

Maya Returns: If David found his son Theo on his doorstep, will Maya return from prison to get her son back?

Maya Returns: If David found his son Theo on his doorstep, will Maya return from prison to get her son back?

Old News: When David dated serial killer Meena Jutla (pictured), who was angry when David dumped her for Victora Sugden, will she shockingly return?

Old News: When David dated serial killer Meena Jutla (pictured), who was angry when David dumped her for Victora Sugden, will she shockingly return?

reunited?  Another theory could be that David will reunite with Jacob's stepmother Alicia Gallagher, whom he was also married to before she fled in 2015, and start a life in Portugal, where she lives.

reunited? Another theory could be that David will reunite with Jacob’s stepmother Alicia Gallagher, whom he was also married to before she fled in 2015, and start a life in Portugal, where she lives.

Throwback: Matthew first joined the show in 2006 (pictured with co-star Hayley Hamaddon in 2007)

Throwback: Matthew first joined the show in 2006 (pictured with co-star Hayley Hamaddon in 2007)

Scandal: David, who is married to co-star Charley Webb, was absent from the show for three months last year after he and fellow actress Isobel Isabel Hodgins (pictured) got involved in an alleged racing affair

Scandal: David, who is married to co-star Charley Webb, was absent from the show for three months last year after he and fellow actress Isobel Isabel Hodgins (pictured) got involved in an alleged racing affair

David, who is married to co-star Charley Webb, saw a three-month absence from the show last year after he and fellow actress Isobel Isabel Hodgins became embroiled in an alleged racing affair.

Matthew and Isabel, who plays his on-screen partner Victoria Sugden, had disappeared from the screen following claims that “the accent of a mixed-race actress was mimicked” on set, with the characters’ absence explained by the pair having a took a long Portuguese vacation.

The unnamed actress was upset after an inappropriate remark made to her before it was claimed that her accent was mocked during the altercation.

Couple: Matthew shares three kids with co-star Charlie Webb (pictured together in 2017)

Couple: Matthew shares three kids with co-star Charlie Webb (pictured together in 2017)