Charley Webb 'quits Emmerdale after 19 years' following husband's on-set rows

Emmerdale star Charley Webb has reportedly quit the show after her husband and co-star Matthew Wolfenden was accused of making inappropriate comments on set.

The actress, 33, last appeared as Debbie Dingle back in February, with her character having moved to Scotland in 2019, when the star gave birth to her and Matthew's third child.

Matthew, 41, had indicated his wife was ready to return to the soap when the Covid-19 crisis passed, but he has since become the centre of controversy over an investigation into an alleged inappropriate remark he made in the presence of a mixed-race actress.

A source told The Sun that Charley has now decided her departure from the ITV1 show should be permanent.

"Charley is closing the door on Emmerdale for good and won't be going back," the insider said. "After she gave birth to her third child with Matthew in 2019 she returned briefly before taking some time out again.

"The past few months have given her time to think about the future and it is one that doesn't involve Emmerdale. Matthew being caught up in the row on set fuelled her decision to step away."

They did, however, add that as her character has not been killed off, "the door is open" to a return one day.

A spokeswoman for Emmerdale confirmed the character has been written out, saying, "There are no current plans for Debbie Dingle to return."

Matthew, who plays David Metcalfe in the farm-based soap, was caught up in a complaint that an inappropriate comment was allegedly made to a mixed-race actress. He and co-star Isabel Hodgins faced claims that the actress' accent was mimicked. The pair categorically denied any wrongdoing.

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