MATTHEW Wolfenden has taken on a new project worlds away from Emmerdale after quitting the soap.
He was known for playing long running character David Metcalfe in the Dales until he announced his sudden decision to leave in 2023.
Since then he has hosted a podcast called Celebrity Side Hustles with his former co-star Roxy Shahidi, but viewers have been missing him on the big screen.
Now a source has exclusively revealed that the actor is set to feature on the upcoming 13th season of Celebrity Antiques Road Trip.
They told the Sun: “Matthew has signed up for the show – he thinks it’ll be a laugh and fun to be on TV as himself not his soap character.”
The BBC Two show sees household names team up in pairs to trawl through antiques.
Each duo is tasked with making more money off the second hand items at auction than they spent buying them.
Season 12 featured stars such as TOWIE’s very own Gemma Collins and Love Island winners Davide and Ekin-Su.
The line up for series 13 has not been revealed yet, but the Beeb greenlit the new season in May, so it is likely in the early stages of production.
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
When Matthew announced that he was leaving Emmerdale behind he told This Morning presenters: “I’m so nervous about leaving, almost two decades.
“The door’s left open, they’re not killing me off, I’ve been promised. I’m allowed to tell you that.
“So who knows, I might be back, we will see.”
However, an insider told The Sun that Matthew quit the soap as he was “bored” with his character’s plotlines.
At the time the source shared: “Matthew has had an amazing time on the soap, but feels ready for a change.
“He hasn’t been getting any gritty storylines recently so wants to see what else is out there.
“He’s a fan favourite so will get a lot of support in whatever he decides to do next.
“He’s very excited about the opportunities available.”