Emmerdale’s Charley Webb quits the show for good after 19 years amid husband Matthew Wolfenden’s racism bullying row
EMMERDALE star Charley Webb is quitting the soap for good after 19 years playing Debbie Dingle.
It comes after her husband and co-star Matthew Wolfenden, 41, was caught up in a racism bullying row on set.
Insiders said Charley, 33, who last appeared on screen at the start of the year, has made it clear she will not return.
A source said: “Charley is closing the door on Emmerdale for good and won’t be going back.
“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.
“Charley has been on Emmerdale for 19 years and her character Debbie has had a rollercoaster ride. It’s time for a new adventure for Charley.
“Naturally the door is open for her character, who is now living in Scotland, should she change her mind. But for now she is looking to the future.”
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A spokeswoman for Emmerdale said: “There are no current plans for Debbie Dingle to return.”
Debbie’s storylines included becoming a mum at 15 and having a disastrous relationship with triple killer Cameron Murray.
Last week scenes in Emmerdale revealed Charley’s continued absence, with her character’s aunt Chas saying: “Debbie’s not coming home for Christmas.”
Matthew said in July that Charley was waiting for the world to return to normal before going back to Emmerdale full time.
He said: “For her to go back now when all this is still happening is not what she wants to do.
“I think she’ll wait until all the restrictions have dropped.”
Then in October Matthew, who plays David Metcalfe, became embroiled in a row following a complaint that an inappropriate comment was made to a mixed-race female cast member.
He and co-star Isabel Hodgins — Victoria Sugden in the soap — were also facing claims that the actress’s accent was mimicked.
Matthew and Isabel, 28, both denied the allegations. It was later claimed that Matthew also had a row with Aaron Anthony, who plays Ellis Chapman.
Aaron, 28, has since told Emmerdale bosses he will not continue to work on the soap when his contract expires.
