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ITV Emmerdale’s Leyla actress Roxy Shahidi opens up on co-star’s emotional soap exit

Emmerdale’s Leyla Harding actress Roxy Shahidi has opened up about her co-star’s emotional ITV soap exit after 17 years

Actress Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding in Emmerdale, spoke candidly about her co-star Matthew Wolfenden’s heartbreaking 17-year ITV soap opera retirement.

Following grief, the community said goodbye to Matthew’s 43-year-old character David Metcalfe last month as he departed the Dales for a fresh start in London. Those who follow soap operas will remember that David was horrified to learn of his son Jacob Gallagher and former Victoria Sugden’s relationship, and that he received more than he bargained for.

Following the shocking revelation, a furious David went up to Victoria and began calling her a variety of derogatory things. In response, Jacob struck his father. David later broke down in the store, startled and distraught. He had a heart-to-heart with his father Eric Pollard, admitting that only he was keeping him in the hamlet and that he wanted to go to London to be with his little daughter Amba. Dad Eric’s support led David to make the decision to move out of the community.

Actress Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla Harding in Emmerdale, spoke candidly about her co-star Matthew Wolfenden’s heartbreaking 17-year farewell from the ITV soap opera.

But before he left, David had a conversation with Jacob, where the punch had a disastrous outcome. When Jacob cried out for his father, David angrily advised him to stop using such term. As the episode came to a close, David drove out of the town as his family waved him off—with the exception of Jacob, who was surreptitiously watching from around the corner.

Outside of the serial opera, Matthew has earned a fantastic Christmas role in Elf the Musical at the Dominion Theatre as Buddy. “I think it’s absolutely fantastic!” Roxy told the Mirror and other publications about her co-star’s departure and his new position. He’s the leading man in a West End production, really? How amazing, and the role as Buddy the Elf is really ideal for him. I have no doubt that he will be outstanding. On the press night, we’re all heading down to watch it. I believe it’s going to be incredible—what a wonderful opportunity, once in a lifetime!”

This news coincides with actor Matthew’s September confirmation, which came 17 years after he was rumored to be departing the ITV serial opera as David. After appearing in the program in 2006, the actor has graciously departed the job, while “the door has been left open” for a potential comeback in the future.

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