Emmerdale couple who split in real life set for major 'return'

Two favourites have been tipped to return to the Dales, the latest show odds have revealed. The former stars, who tied the knot in real life in 2018, called time on their marriage in 2023 after spending 15 years together. Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle on the soap, quit the soap in 2019, meanwhile, her ex-husband Matthew Wolfenden, who played David Metcalfe, left the show after nearly two decades in 2023. His character left the village after he found out his son Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) was having a secret romance with his ex-girlfriend Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins).

The 45-year-old has hinted at a return to the soap following the show's dramatic storylines in recent weeks. Matthew said that a possible storyline would be David dealing with the aftermath of the death of his former partner Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi), who died following the tragic limo crash in February.

According to the latest odds by Matthew is just 10/11 to reprise his role as David Metcalfe later this year, after admitting he would be up for a Dales return.

While his former wife Charley is 11/10 to take on the role again later this year, but some viewers have even called for a recast if Charley isn't available.

Matthew told Inside Soap magazine: "I would definitely go back to 'Emmerdale'.

"The big pull would have been to revisit the relationship again with Leyla."

His exit in 2023 also came after his then wife Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle, had also left the soap after 21 years in 2021.

Emmerdale airs tonight on ITV at 7.30pm