Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden ‘quits soap after 17 years’ and ‘his character David Metcalfe could be killed off’… nearly two years after ‘race row’

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

The actor, 43, who first joined the show in 2006, is said to be ready for a change and his departure could result in his alter ego being killed off.

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.

“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.’

Grizzly end? It is said that the actor is bored with the character’s lack of grim storylines and his departure could lead to his alter ego being killed (depicted in the show)

MailOnline has contacted ITV for comment.

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.

According to The Sun, the ITV bosses accepted Matthew and Isabel’s statement that the alleged comment and impersonation had been ‘misunderstood’ and no formal action could be taken against them.

Both stars categorically denied claims of racism and suggested it was all a misunderstanding.

Meanwhile, Emmerdale fans have shared their fears for Lydia Dingle’s future after reconnecting with her former lover Craig Reed.

Viewers have seen Lydia reveal to Craig that when they were teenagers living in a children’s home, she became pregnant at age 15, but the child was unfortunately stillborn.

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

Lydia, her birth name Jenny, told Craig he was the baby’s father, and she buried the child in the woods.

In the upcoming episodes, Lydia’s husband Sam will feel increasingly left out by her friendship with Craig, and his arrival has already sparked concern from fans.

Some have shared a theory that Craig could start stalking Lydia, given their history together, and one that he’s already “obsessed” with her.

One fan tweeted, “A concerned fan tweeted, “#Emmerdale is Craig Lydia’s stalker? He rocks at her place. Sam won’t be happy,’

Another added: “Craig – you just know he’s going to end up in the padded cell next to Colin.”

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

A third posted: “Craig who hasn’t seen Lydia (or Jenny as he knows her) in 33 years now seems obsessed with her. What are his real intentions?’

“Craig has Stalker vibes,” someone declared.

One user posted: ‘Do you have a partner? Did anyone notice that little pause before lying? There are warning signs, Lydia/Jenny #emmerdale.”

One fan also posted, “I don’t trust creepy Craig #Emmerdale.”

‘Oh Great Craig is turning into yet another stalker! And they didn’t even get that last one with Amelia and Lloyd right!’ one fan shared.

Emmerdale airs weekdays at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.

Drama! Emmerdale fans have shared their fears for Lydia Dingle’s future after reconnecting with her former lover Craig Reed