Emmerdale legend Matthew Wolfenden fought back tears as he confirmed that he is leaving the soap after 18 years during an interview on This Morning.
Matthew, who plays David Metcalfe on the ITV show, joined the cast of Emmerdale in 2006, but later this year he will say his goodbyes.
Throughout the years, David has been part of some huge storylines, from his hard-hitting testicular cancer storyline to his partner at the time, Maya Stepney, grooming and sexually abusing his young son Jacob Gallagher.
On Wednesday, 6 September, Matthew joined Holly Willoughby and Craig Doyle on the famous blue sofa to talk all things Emmerdale.
After watching a montage of his best bits, Matthew was visibly emotional and as he tried to fight back the tears, he said: "That made me really emotional!"
Once the 43 year old composed himself, he continued: "I am so nervous about leaving, nearly 20 years, almost two decades.
"It feels like the right time the door has been left open – they're not killing me off, I've been promised. Who knows, I might be back [in the future]. Yeah, but we will see."
However, as he continued to speak, he choked up again as he explained: "I'm still really emotional watching that."
As he was handed a tissue by Craig, Matthew explained that the Yorkshire-based soap had been a "massive" part of his life.
Matthew continued: "I met my wife on the show [Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle], we've had three kids, so not only has it given me 18 years of an amazing job, it's given me a family so to leave it, it's been a big part of my life and the most wonderful 18 years."
His departure will be aired later this year, and while fans don't know why he will leave the village, Matthew teased his exit storyline.
He told the hosts: "There is a resolution of sorts… I can't give too much away. Victoria is the reason why he leaves the village… put it that way! He leaves because of Victoria, in a way, I can't give too much away!"
Before the interview ended, Matthew had just enough time to explain what his plans were when he leaves.
This Christmas he will be playing Buddy the Elf in Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre in London.
However, he did admit that it is 18 years since he last sang, as he was on the West End before he became a key part of life in Emmerdale.
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