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Matthew Wolfenden
Born (1980-05-05) 5 May 1980 (age 44)
Norwood Green, West Yorkshire, England
Occupation Actor
Years active 2004–present
Television Emmerdale (2006–2023)
Spouse(s)
(m. 2018; separated 2023)
Children 3
Relatives Jamie Lomas (brother-in-law)

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

Early 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.

Acting career

Before becoming part of the Emmerdale cast, Wolfenden was a cast member in the musical Saturday Night Fever.

Emmerdale

Wolfenden plays David Metcalfe, son of Eric Pollard, 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.

Hollyoaks: Let Loose

Wolfenden has also appeared in Hollyoaks: Let Loose, a spin-off of Hollyoaks.

Soapstar Superstar

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).

Dancing on Ice

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. Matthew became the "King of the Ice" after beating Porter.

Other work

Wolfenden has appeared on several chat shows with various co-stars including Natalie Anderson and Fiona Wade. On 7 January 2014, Wolfenden provided the soap news on ITV's This Morning, a topic usually covered by journalist and writer Sharon Marshall.

On 12 April 2015, Wolfenden appeared on a celebrity special of the game show The Chase. He advanced to the final of game with fellow contestant Lesley Joseph and they won the show, taking home £5500 each for their respective charities of choice, Wolfenden's being Speak Up, a charity for adults' with learning disabilities.

On 11 September 2016, Wolfenden, alongside Emmerdale co-star Eden Taylor-Draper, took part in the Great North Run to raise funds for Bloodwise.

Personal life

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.

Awards and nominations

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

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Matthew Wolfenden para niños

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