**Former Emmerdale Favourite Matthew Wolfenden Hints at Return After Shock Departure**
Speculation is mounting over the possible return of Matthew Wolfenden to the long-running ITV soap *Emmerdale*, just months after the actor bid farewell to his much-loved character, David Metcalfe. Wolfenden, aged 45, left the Dales in late 2024 after a dramatic on-screen exit, but recent comments suggest he may not be closing the door on soapland forever.
Wolfenden’s exit was prompted by an offer to play Buddy in *Elf The Musical* on London’s West End. With *Emmerdale* producers enforcing a strict rule prohibiting cast involvement in pantomimes or similar stage work, the actor was forced to choose. Ultimately, Wolfenden opted for a fresh challenge under the bright lights of the theatre. His departure coincided with a gripping storyline in which his character discovered his son Jacob Gallagher’s secret romance with his ex-girlfriend Victoria Sugden, leading to a memorable exit from the village in November.
Despite his foray into musicals, Wolfenden has left the door ajar for a return to his former soap home. Speaking recently to *Inside Soap* magazine, he declared, “I would definitely go back to *Emmerdale*.” He elaborated that a tempting prospect would be revisiting the complex relationship between David and Leyla Harding.
The untimely death of Leyla Harding – portrayed by Roxy Shahidi – following a dramatic limousine crash in February 2025, has opened potential avenues for fresh storylines. Wolfenden mused that a key draw for reprising his role would be exploring how David copes with the aftermath of Leyla’s passing, given their character’s turbulent history.
Away from the fictional village, Wolfenden and Shahidi have developed a close friendship, leading to collaborative efforts beyond television. Together, they are behind the podcast *Celebrity Side Hustles*, which delves into the lesser-known passions and side projects of celebrities. The duo reportedly first conceived the podcast while chatting during downtime on the *Emmerdale* set, discovering a mutual love for podcasts and curiosity about their peers’ off-screen pursuits.
Wolfenden explained the genesis of the project: “During breaks in filming, we’d talk about what else we might do — we both enjoy podcasts, so it felt a natural step.” Shahidi added that both had always been involved in ‘side hustles’ — with her own yoga venture and Wolfenden’s toy business providing inspiration.
Launching the show, however, presented its own challenges. Shahidi admitted to finding the transition from interviewee to interviewer somewhat daunting, especially curbing her own enthusiasm to let guests speak. “It was quite nerve-wracking. I really had to learn how to stop myself from talking too much!” she commented.
The podcast has afforded Wolfenden new perspectives on his former *Emmerdale* colleagues, including Dominic Brunt, who plays Paddy Kirk. Wolfenden remarked on the novelty of having extended conversations with his co-stars. “I sat next to Dominic for 18 years, but with filming schedules, you rarely get to have these in-depth, hour-long chats. It’s been brilliant.”
The enduring popularity of both *Emmerdale* and its alumni continues to keep audiences engaged, with fans eagerly watching for any hint of familiar faces returning. Wolfenden’s recent remarks have only intensified speculation about David Metcalfe’s potential homecoming.
As Wolfenden explores life beyond the dales, many viewers will no doubt be hopeful that the actor will once again stroll through the familiar Yorkshire village, reprising the role that made him a household name.
His continuing creative endeavours, both on stage and through his podcast, suggest that Wolfenden is enjoying this new chapter — but as every soap fan knows, a surprise comeback is never out of the question. For now, fans must content themselves with his off-screen projects, at least until the next big casting news breaks.