After an 18-year run as the charming ladies’ man David Metcalfe on ITV’s Emmerdale, actor Matthew Wolfenden, 44, has made a triumphant return to the small screen. This time, he’s taken on a completely different challenge, starring as a scheming gay conman in Channel 5’s hit drama The Good Ship Murder.
The transition from beloved soap character to a more complex and duplicitous role wasn’t without its challenges. Reflecting on his new part, Matthew admitted he felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. “I’d played David for 18 years, so stepping into the shoes of someone so completely different was both nerve-wracking and refreshing,” he shared. His new character, Nathan, is a far cry from the cheerful shopkeeper fans grew to love.
Matthew revealed that one of the most memorable—and nerve-racking—moments during filming was his first-ever on-screen gay kiss with co-star Ross Adams, who plays the ship’s entertainment director, Colin Smallwood. “It was a big scene, not just because of the kiss but because of the emotional depth involved. It was my first gay kiss ever, which added to the nerves, but we both had a good laugh about it afterward.”
The scene was filmed in Malta, with the production team racing against the clock to complete the shoot before the location opened to the public. Despite the pressure, Matthew described the experience as “exciting” and credited his co-star for helping to ease the nerves.
The role marks a significant departure from his time on Emmerdale, where David Metcalfe had romantic entanglements with most of the women in the village. Reflecting on his decision to leave the soap in 2023, Matthew said it was prompted by the opportunity to play Buddy in an eight-week run of Elf: The Musical in London’s West End.
“I’ll always have fond memories of Emmerdale, but this role in The Good Ship Murder felt like the perfect next step. It’s a chance to show a different side of my acting abilities and challenge myself.”
Fans of Matthew can expect plenty of drama and intrigue as his new character navigates the murky waters of con artistry and complicated relationships aboard the luxurious ship.
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