Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden, 45, brands himself ‘old, fat and lazy’ as he embarks upon a ‘mid-life reboot’ and vows to cut back on his drinking

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Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden is making big changes in his life after jokingly calling himself ‘old, fat, and lazy’ in a recent video on Instagram. He’s described it as a ‘mid-life reboot’.

I was so happy to see Matthew Wolfenden, you know, David from Emmerdale, sharing a little about his plans to get back into shape! He posted this really lovely video of himself walking in the sun, and he seemed so motivated to start a new fitness journey. It’s great to see him prioritizing his health and being so open with us fans.

Matthew said he’s planning to drink less alcohol and will be using social media to help him stay on track.

The actor admitted he’s starting to feel his age and has let himself go a little. He acknowledged he’s not actually that old or overweight, but confessed he’s become less disciplined.

I’m making this video to explain my reasons, and it’s definitely not about trying to show off. I don’t want anyone to think I’m pretending to be younger or in better shape than I am.

I’m at a point in my life where I’m starting to feel my age – I’m turning 46 soon. Over the past year, I’ve let things slide a bit, and I think that’s just a natural consequence of having kids and a busy work life.

I’ve fallen out of my routines and haven’t been taking good care of myself lately. I’ve stopped going to the gym and haven’t been eating as healthily as I used to.

Matthew used to allow himself one ‘cheat’ meal each week, but it gradually became a regular habit and his diet became unbalanced.

The actor said he wants to focus on having more positive days and intends to use the app to stay motivated and keep making progress.

I didn’t want this to seem self-indulgent, and honestly, I’m not exactly taking care of myself either – I probably drink too much.

I believe many of us could benefit from a fresh start, and I plan to use this platform to help me rediscover myself.

‘Because for me and my little ADHD-deep brain I need a motivation to do anything.’

Matthew added in the caption of the video: ‘Day 1 – Midlife Reboot – ‘TRUTH’.’

People quickly filled the comments with messages of support. One fan wrote, ‘I’m with you! Let’s encourage each other!’

Someone else shared their own journey, saying they’d just started trying to be more active and eat healthier. A third person encouraged them, praising the public commitment as a great way to stay motivated.

Matthew is most famous for playing David in the TV show Emmerdale. He portrayed the character for 17 years, from 2006 until 2023, when he left the series.

The actor famously bared all for a 2017 ITV show called The Full Monty, stripping down to help raise money for cancer charities. He had previously showcased his physique during the event.

Matthew and his former partner, Charley Webb – known for her role as Debbie Dingle on the TV show Emmerdale – have three children: Buster, 16, Bowie, 10, and Ace, 6. They were together from 2010 to 2019.

Okay, so can you BELIEVE it?! Back in March, rumors started flying that Matthew might be coming back to television! Apparently, he’s possibly joining the cast of Hollyoaks, and get this – he’d be working with someone I totally recognize from other shows! I’ve been glued to the internet ever since, hoping it’s true! It’s everything I’ve ever wanted!

Rebecca Ryan, famous for her role in the popular show Shameless, was reportedly cast in a major part for a Channel 4 series.

According to The Sun, Rebecca and Matthew’s characters will be at the center of a significant new family storyline on Hollyoaks later this year.

‘They’ve just begun filming and everyone’s really excited about having them on board.’

A source revealed to The Sun that Matthew’s new part on Hollyoaks is a great opportunity for him. Show bosses believe he’ll be very popular with the audience and is a significant addition to the cast.

The actor is well-known for his 17-year role as David Metcalfe on the show, but he decided to leave in late 2023. He was offered a leading part as Buddy in a London production of ‘Elf The Musical,’ which ran for eight weeks.

Because of a rigid policy preventing time off during the Christmas holidays, he decided not to extend his contract. His departure from Emmerdale was shown on television in April 2024.

Matthew had mentioned that Emmerdale producers hadn’t ruled out bringing his character back, but it seems a return is now off the table.

Honestly, stepping away after almost twenty years was incredibly nerve-wracking! But it felt like the right moment. The good news is they’ve assured me this isn’t goodbye – they’re keeping the door open for potential returns, so I’m definitely not being written off completely.

I’m not sure about the future, but I might return. This job has been incredible for the past 18 years, and it’s become like a family to me. It’s played a huge role in my life.

Emmerdale continues tonight at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX. 

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2026-04-28 12:10