Serial monogamist David Metcalfe in Emmerdale was never without a beautiful woman on his arm. And alter ego Matthew Wolfenden also had a co-star wife during his time in the Dales.
As the soap confirms he is never returning after a tense call to Eric, just what happened to David? And why did Matthew Wolfenden really quit the soap last year?
When did David Metcalfe arrive in Emmerdale?
David came to the village looking for his estranged dad, Eric Pollard. Eric had left David’s mum before he was born, stealing a hefty wad of her cash into the bargain.
But eventually the pair discovered they were father and son and they began building some bridges. Though Eric’s habit of swindling and manipulating the locals played havoc with David’s romances with Delilah Dingle, Katie Sugden and Jasmine Thomas.
David also had a tempestuous relationship with Nicola King – then Nicola De Souza – with both of them cheating on the other. This is definitely one they’d both rather forget – and indeed, it seems they have because they rarely speak to each other at all now.
Love triangle between David, Leyla and Alicia
David fell in love with sassy Leyla Harding, who worked at Eric’s factory. The pair were building a life together until Leyla revealed she had a secret son – Jacob Gallagher.
Leyla’s sister Alicia was bringing Jacob up. The news almost broke the couple up especially when David discovered Jacob’s father was Leyla’s brother-in-law. Oops.
Alicia came to the village and stayed even when Leyla left heartbroken David on the eve of their nuptials, with her wedding dress and a lot of debt.
David grew close to Alicia and Jacob. When Alicia was sent to prison they got married so Jacob could stay with David. However, while Alicia was inside, David fell in love with Priya Sharma.
The Woolpack siege
When evil Cameron Murray held drinkers hostage at the Woolpack, Alicia was shot. David realised he loved her and called off his relationship with Priya to be with Alicia.
Priya discovered she was pregnant with David’s baby. But it didn’t stop Alicia and David getting married. Then Leyla arrived back in the village on their wedding day, but even that didn’t derail their plans.
Priya gave birth to a baby girl, named Amba. Alicia and David eventually split after Alicia was assaulted by Lachlan White and wanted to leave the village.
David in Emmerdale diagnosed with cancer
In 2016, David persuaded his dad to go to the doctor because he was having a few troubles that David was worried about.
Eric only agreed if David went too. Although Eric was given the all-clear, David was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Jacob supported David through his treatment, bringing the father and son even closer. By now, David was married to Tracy Shankley and she also supported him.
Maya Stepney and David
After David’s marriage to Tracy fell apart, he started a relationship with Jacob’s teacher, Maya Stepney.
Perfect on paper, David had no idea Maya was grooming teenager Jacob, and starting an illicit relationship with the lad.
At Christmas 2019, David and Jacob found a baby boy on their doorstep with a note from mother Maya asking them to take care of him. David soon discovered he was the baby’s father – not his grandfather.
He named his new son Theodore Eric and after a shaky start, he became a devoted single dad to the little lad.
David Metcalfe and Meena Jutla in Emmerdale
After Maya, David began a relationship with Meena Jutla. However a good few months into their relationship it was revealed to viewers she was a serial killer.
Meena murdered her own father and best friend Nadine Butler before her time in the village. She then went on to kill villagers Leanna Cavanagh, Andrea Tate and Ben Tucker.
Eventually David fell for Victoria Sugden and planned to dump Meena for Vic, but when Meena found out she tried to drown an unconscious Victoria at the bottom of a waterfall.
However Vic survived and she and David started a relationship together – leaving Meena even more hungry for a kill.
How many times has David been married and how many kids does he have?
Altogether David has been married three times – twice to Alicia Gallagher and to Tracy Shankley. He also proposed to Victoria, but she turned him down.
He has three children Jacob, Amba and Theo. Although Jacob is not his biological son, he has always treated him as his own, even after his break up with Alicia.
David’s Emmerdale exit
After splitting up with Victoria and having to have his dad buy his beloved shop off him to save it going under, David felt like he had little left in Emmerdale.
Things changed when he thought Victoria wanted to get back together. However he then discovered she was just being friendly. In fact, she was secretly dating Jacob!
When David saw them kissing through the window, he went mad, comparing Vic to Maya. But Jacob remained firm he and Victoria were meant to be together.
Unable to cope with the revelation, David left the village to spend time in London with Priya and Amba. However, he has now called to say he is never coming back, leaving Eric heartbroken.
But we can’t say we blame him after all he’s been through!
Matthew Wolfenden’s real life off-screen
Actor Matthew Wolfenden played David Metcalfe in Emmerdale. He departed the village towards the end of 2023 after 17 years on screen.
His time in the Dales was not without its own controversy. From a secret wedding, to an on-set fight, plus his divorce from former co-star Charley Webb, he had quite the time.
Why did Matthew Wolfenden leave Emmerdale?
During an interview with This Morning after his exit was revealed, Matthew told them he was off because: “It feels like the right time. The door’s left open, they’re not killing me off, I’ve been promised. I’m allowed to tell you that. So who knows, I might be back, we will see.”
However, rumours were rife that in fact his decision was as the result of an on-set feud while filming Emmerdale’s big week in 2021.
In November 2021, The Sun reported that Matthew and co-star Isabel Hodgins were involved in a row and bosses were forced to intervene.
Matthew and Isabel were reportedly travelling with Aaron Anthony (Ellis Chapman) when they were caught up in the row.
The source claimed: “”
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