Matthew Wolfenden

Matthew Wolfenden (born 5 May 1980) is an English actor and screenwriter, known for his role as David Metcalfe in the British soap opera Emmerdale.

Early and personal life Wolfenden was born in Norwood Green, West Yorkshire. He was educated at Brighouse High School. Wolfenden was a member of the British gymnastics squad until, aged 16, he fell whilst practising on the rings and broke his back. This prevented him from continuing gymnastics and he turned to acting.

Wolfenden was married to his Emmerdale co-star Charley Webb and the couple have three sons. Wolfenden proposed to Webb on Christmas Day in 2009. They married in February 2018, and have three sons together; their third son was born on 26 July 2019. They separated in September 2023.

In 2021, Wolfenden and Emmerdale co-star Isabel Hodgins were absent from the soap for three months following a "race row". The actors were accused of mocking the accent of a mixed race actress, as well as making an "inappropriate comment". They were allowed to return to the set from January 2022.

Career In 2006, Wolfenden was cast as David Metcalfe, son of Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell), in ITV's Emmerdale. His first acting job was as an extra on the programme, later he originally auditioned for the role of Eli Dingle, but lost out to Joseph Gilgun; then he was called back for the role of David Metcalfe.

Wolfenden has also appeared in Hollyoaks: Let Loose, a spin-off of Hollyoaks. In early 2007, Wolfenden finished ninth on the second series of Soapstar Superstar. He performed the songs "Bad Day" (Daniel Powter) and "Don't Stop Me Now" (Queen).

Wolfenden was partnered with Russian ice dancer Nina Ulanova for the seventh series of Dancing on Ice. His gymnastic and dance background proved to be an advantage and he ended up in the final, against Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and The X Factor contestant Chico Slimani. Wolfenden continued his role in Emmerdale while training for Dancing on Ice. Wolfenden went on to win the series. In 2022, Wolfenden and Emmerdale co-star Roxy Shahidi were co-signed to United Agents as screenwriters. They collaborated on an episode of the BBC medical drama Holby City and three episodes of the BBC soap opera Doctors.

Filmography Year Title Role Notes 2004 The Courtroom Timmy Payne Episode: "One Hit Wonder" 2005 Hollyoaks: Let Loose Jason 1 episode 2006–2023 Emmerdale David Metcalfe Main Cast: 1,768 Episodes 2025 The Good Ship Murder Nathan Dymond 1 Episode 2026 Kate Expectations Jonny Short Film 2026–HollyoaksJonah KeaneRegular role

Awards and nominations Year Award Category Result 2007 The British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2008 Digital Spy Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2008 The British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2008 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2009 The British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2012 The British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2012 Inside Soap Awards Funniest Male 2012 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2013 18th National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance 2013 The British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2013 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2014 The British Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2015 Inside Soap Awards Funniest Male 2016 TV Choice Awards Best Soap Actor 2016 The British Soap Awards Best Comedy Performance 2016 Inside Soap Awards Best Actor 2016 Inside Soap Awards Funniest Male 2017 22nd National Television Awards Serial Drama Performance 2017 The British Soap Awards Best Actor 2017 Inside Soap Awards Sexiest Male 2019 TV Choice Awards Best Soap Actor 2019 Inside Soap Awards Best Actor