Emmerdale has confirmed that fan favourite David Metcalfe, who made a shock exit from the village last year, will not be returning.
David, played by Matthew Wolfenden, 43, has been a regular character on the Yorkshire soap for 17-years but exited last year after it was revealed that his stepson was having an affair with his ex-fiancé.
In November, David left the village after catching stepson Jacob Gallagher (Joe Warren Plant) with his former partner Victoria Sugden (Isabel Hodgins).
Having just learned that his father Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, David promised to return.
However in Tuesday’s episode it was confirmed that the character has left the village for good.
![David's stepson Jacob had been growing closer to his ex-fiancé Victoria](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/04/03/10/78055559-13267001-David_s_step_son_Jacob_had_been_growing_closer_to_his_ex_fianc_V-a-51_1712137494084.jpg)
David’s stepson Jacob had been growing closer to his ex-fiancé Victoria
‘Hope you and Victoria will be very happy living together. I think I’d prefer to find a place by myself. You’ve made your choice.’
Jacob and Victoria had been growing closer before he ended up in hospital after a severe allergic reaction to one of her meals in The Hide. When Victoria came to check on him, Jacob confessed his love for her.
The duo had been reluctant to explore their connection due to their nine-year age gap and Victoria’s past relationship with David.
Jacob and Victoria later took a risk at his house, at which point David arrived home unexpectedly. As Victoria hid upstairs, the pair thought they had gotten away with it, only for David to later see them share a kiss through the window.
In September, actor Matthew broke down in tears as he confirmed he’s leaving the soap after 17 years as David Metcalfe.