Table: Matthew Wolfenden – Profile and Relationship Overview
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Matthew Wolfenden |
Date of Birth | May 5, 1980 |
Nationality | British |
Occupation | Actor |
Known For | Role as David Metcalfe in Emmerdale (2006–2023) |
Current Partner | Heather Scott-Martin |
Relationship Status | Dating since late 2023 |
Previous Partner | Charley Webb (married 2018–2023, three children together) |
Children | Buster, Bowie, and Ace |
Partner’s Background | West End performer, dance teacher, met during Elf musical |
Recent Projects | The Good Ship Murder, Celebrity Side Hustles podcast |
Source | https://www.tvguide.co.uk/emmerdale-insider/news/emmerdale-matthew-wolfenden-loved-photo-girlfriend-two-years-charley-webb-split |

After leaving the soap opera in 2023, Matthew Wolfenden, who has long been known for his role in Emmerdale, has entered a more grounded stage of his life. His separation from Charley Webb was a major turning point in his personal turmoil, which coincided with his departure after seventeen years. But what came next has been especially positive: a new connection with Heather Scott-Martin, created via shared artistic space rather than tabloids or television.
While performing in the West End musical Elf, Matthew and Heather got to know one another. He had finally landed the dream role he had long coveted, and she was working as the dance captain. Their professional rapport quickly developed into something deeper. There was a natural space to connect without pretense because both had recently ended long-term relationships. “It was almost like it was meant to be,” Matthew said.
Their relationship has been exceptionally well-received since going public. They attended his former co-star Isabel Hodgins’ wedding together in recent months. Supporters responded favorably to the celebration photo that Matthew posted. He captioned it, “I adore this photo of my girl and me,” exuding joy in a way that seemed real rather than staged. It was more than just a romantic moment; it showed a man gaining stability and clarity after a period of personal turmoil.
His public persona was intricately linked to his past relationship with Charley Webb. In 2007, they started dating after meeting on Emmerdale, and in 2018, they were married. They became one of the soap opera’s most well-known off-screen couples after starting a family and having three kids. They handled their separation with mutual respect after it was confirmed in late 2023. “Our children are our top priority, and we are still friends,” they said in a joint statement. What came next was framed by that tone, which was measured, honest, and private.
It wasn’t a sudden change. Matthew took what some considered to be a risky move after leaving Emmerdale. In order to focus on his passion project—playing Buddy in Elf—he declined an extension. Since ITV’s schedule prevented cast members from performing in seasonal theater, timing was everything. But he decided on artistic freedom as his contract was coming to an end. That leap proved to be extremely successful on both a personal and professional level.
Without the interruptions of the spotlight, Heather, who had been going through a similar relationship transition, provided support. They have maintained a strong bond that was forged backstage and reinforced offstage. She doesn’t frequently appear in tabloids or on social media. She stands for something unexpectedly refreshing instead—a partner who is not a celebrity and who brings peace instead of chaos. Supporters have reacted favorably, acknowledging how grounded Matthew seems around her.
Maybe it’s because of their genuineness that their relationship seems so interesting. Their pace has been deliberate and slow in an era of digitalization and overexposure. The choice to make a public appearance together only a year later demonstrates a dedication to creating something genuine. Their recent attendance at Hodgins’ wedding acted as a signal and a gentle introduction; they are content, stable, and uninterested in intimacy based on performance.
Matthew has not faded into obscurity since Emmerdale. Rather, he has broadened his horizons through strategic endeavors. His appearance as a guest in The Good Ship Murder demonstrated his versatility. More significantly, his podcast Celebrity Side Hustles, which he co-hosts with former co-star Roxy Shahidi, delves into the lives of actors away from the spotlight. The podcast humanizes public figures through casual discussions, demonstrating that celebrity lives involve more than just glamour and headlines; they also involve financial experimentation, grind, and reinvention.
This change in theme is consistent with Matthew’s own story. He is no longer solely the Emmerdale actor, nor is his previous marriage what defines him. With the help of a partner who feels the same way, he is establishing a new path. Without demanding a front-page role, Heather, a trained educator and performer, understands the intensity that goes on backstage. Their relationship has significantly enhanced Matthew’s reputation—not through public relations, but rather through obvious joy.
Their strategy has a subtle yet potent quality. Matthew and Heather waited, in contrast to many celebrity couples who make their red carpet debuts within weeks of dating. They established trust, let life happen, and let their relationship develop organically. This restraint feels especially novel in a field that is frequently fueled by spectacle. It is similar to what has been observed with other performers, such as Keira Knightley or Andrew Garfield, who opt for discretion over show and gain from stronger, longer-lasting bonds as a result.
It appears that having Heather in Matthew’s life has encouraged his creativity in addition to providing him with solace. Their shared theatrical experience probably gives them a common language, and their timing—both coming out of transition—provides emotional balance. Matthew has placed himself in a relationship based on balance by selecting a person who is out of the spotlight but is aware of the price.
Their tale has broader resonance in a society that is beginning to doubt the sincerity of influencer romances. The focus of Matthew and Heather’s relationship has remained on genuine experiences, despite the abundance of carefully manicured couples and promotional posts on social media. It was at work that they met. Through change, they helped one another. They showed up together when it felt right, not when it was strategically advantageous.
Looking ahead, Matthew’s path seems hopeful. He keeps developing his artistic side, pursuing business opportunities, and raising his three sons with sincerity. He has found a partner in Heather who enhances rather than detracts from him. Their relationship, which is based on mutual growth and timing, provides a silent model for how reinvention can develop smoothly on both a personal and professional level.