Emmerdale's Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden announce split

They've released a joint statement

Author: Alex RossPublished 23rd Nov 2023

Following five years of marriage and three children together, real life Emmerdale couple Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden have released a statement to announce they've decided to split.

The pair, who are proud parents to 13-year-old Buster, seven-year-old Bowie, and four-year-old Ace, took to Instagram to share a joint statement.

It read: 'It is with love and respect that Charley and I have decided to separate. We remain friends and our priority is the love for our children. For their sake we would appreciate privacy at this time.'

Rumours of a split have been rife for a number of weeks, after 35-year-old Charley was spotted wearing her wedding ring on her right hand, with Matthew also unfollowing her on social media.

See which other famous couples have split this year:

Gary Lucy and Laura Anderson

Despite announcing they are expecting their first child together in Summer 2023, Gary Lucy and Laura Anderson announced they'd split in February 2023, with both Gary and Laura speaking about the split.

Marilyse Corrigan and Matt Murray

Married At First Sight UK stars Marilyse Corrigan and Matt Murray announced they'd split in March, just one month after discussing their plans for marriage and children in the future. The pair appeared on separate series of the hit E4 show, and started dating at the end of 2022.

Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth

Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth announced their divorce after 11 years of marriage. The pair shared a statement saying their 10-year-old son Tennessee James Toth, was their 'biggest priority'.

Taylor Swift and Joe Alwyn

Reports were rife in April that pop sensation Taylor Swift and actor Joe Alwyn had split after a six-year relationship. The pair are yet to publicly confirm the split.

Amber Turner and Dan Edgar

Following six years together, TOWIE couple Amber Turner and Dan Edgar split in 2023. In May, Amber took to her Instagram Story to confirm the rumours, admitting she wishes Dan all the best.

Olivia Bentley and Tristan Phipps

Made In Chelsea stars Olivia Bentley and Tristan Phipps announced their split in May, with Liv sharing a short statement to her Instagram Story after fans started to get suspicious. Although she didn't reveal a reason for their split, she did say the split was amicable.

Sofía Vergara and Joe Manganiello

Actress Sofía Vergara and husband Joe Manganiello made the decision to split after seven years of marriage. The pair told Page Six in a statement: "We have made the difficult decision to divorce. As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives."

Lana Jenkins and Ron Hall

Love Island 2023 stars Lana Jenkins and Ron Hall called it quits just months after leaving the villa, leaving fans in complete shock! Although the pair are yet to officially speak about the break-up, rumour has it they are still friends.

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied

Actress Natalie Portman and her husband Benjamin Millepied reportedly split in 2023 after he allegedly had an affair with another woman. Despite apparent attempts to repair their relationship, the pair decided to go their separate ways.

Britney Spears and Sam Asghari

Rumours were rife in mid-August that Britney Spears had split from her husband Sam Asghari following a 14-month marriage. Sam later confirmed the news in a statement, where he told fans: 'After six years of love and commitment to each other my wife and I have decided to end our journey together. We will hold onto the love and respect we have for each other and I wish her the best always. S--- happens. Asking for privacy seems ridiculous so I will ask for everyone including media to be kind and thoughtful.'

Ella Barnes and Mitch Taylor

Love Island series 10 stars Ella Barnes and Mitch Taylor released statements to confirm they'd split just weeks after the Love Island final in the Summer of 2023. Despite admitting they wanted to make the relationship work back in the UK, the pair blamed work commitments for things ending.

Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner

After weeks of reports about their relationship, the Jonas Brother singer Joe Jonas filed for a divorce from his wife of four years, Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner, at the start of September. In papers obtained by NBC News, Joe described their marriage as 'irretrievably broken', adding himself and Sophie 'have shared parental responsibility' over their two children.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness

Actor Hugh Jackman and his wife Deborra-Lee Furness announced in September 2023 that they are ending their marriage after 27 years. In a statement shared with People Magazine, they said: "We have been blessed to share almost three decades together as husband and wife in a wonderful, loving marriage. Our journey now is shifting and we have decided to separate to pursue our individual growth."

Hugh Bonneville and Lucinda Williams

Downton Abbey actor Hugh Bonneville and his wife Lucinda 'Lulu' Williams split after 25 years of marriage in October, with a spokesperson for the couple confirming the news.

Gaz Beadle and Emma McVey

Former Geordie Shore star Gaz Beadle announced in October that he'd separated from his wife Emma. The pair, who got married in July 2021, share two children together, Chester and Primrose.

Chloe Madeley and James Haskell

Following five years of marriage, Chloe Madeley and James Haskell released a joint statement to confirm they'd split, revealing they'd chosen to mutually separate at the end of September. The pair share a daughter called Bodhi.

Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden

17 years after meeting on the set of Emmerdale, real life soap couple Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden released a joint statement in November to confirm they've decided to part ways. The couple have been married for five years and have three children together, Buster, Bowie, and Ace.

Cardi B and Offset

In December 2023, Cardi B revealed that she had split from her husband Offset. According to E! News, she told fans that she 'had been single for a minute now' during an Instagram live. The pair also both unfollowed each other on Instagram. They share two children together - Kulture Kiari Cephus, and Wave Set Cephus.

Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka

After seven years together, Mariah Carey and Bryan Tanaka decided to split in December 2023, with a source saying: "He wants to have a family. That's not where she is at."

After first meeting on the set of Emmerdale way back in 2007, whilst playing the roles of Debbie Dingle and David Metcalfe, Charley and Matthew found love and later got engaged in 2009.

However, in 2013, the pair chose to split for two years, before later rekindling their relationship in 2015 and going on to get married in a stunning ceremony in February 2018.

Over the years, the couple have welcomed three children together, sons called Buster, Bowie, and Ace, with the family living in Yorkshire.

Earlier this year it was announced that Matthew would be leaving his role in Emmerdale, after a huge 17 years, with the actor getting emotional during an interview on This Morning about his exit.

He said at the time: "That made me really emotional! 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'll see."

It's now been revealed that Matthew will play the role of Buddy in Elf The Musical at the Dominion Theatre over the Christmas period.

Now check out which soap stars have dated in real life:

Jeff Hordley and Zoe Henry

The Emmerdale couple and college sweethearts married in 2003, and now play Rhona Goskirk and Cain Dingle on the soap.


Status: Married

Charlie Clapham and Stephanie Davis

Charlie played Freddie Roscoe in Hollyoaks, and dated Stephanie Davis AKA Sinead O'Connor in 2014.


Status: Split

James Sutton and Sammy Winward

James Sutton currently stars in Hollyoaks as John Paul McQueen but formerly played Ryan Lamb in Emmerdale, where he had a brief romance with Sammy Winward AKA Katie Sugden in 2010.


Status: Split

Peter Amory and Claire King

Peter Amory AKA Chris Tate and Claire King, who played his stepmother Kim Tate on Emmerdale, were married for 10 years.


Status: Divorced

Samantha Giles and Peter Amory

But Claire wasn't the only co-star who caught Peter's eye, as he also dated Samantha Giles AKA Bernice Blackwood.


Status: Split

Jennifer James and Lee Boardman

Jennifer James and Lee Boardman met on the set of Coronation Street in 2000 whilst playing Geena Gregory and Jez Quigley. The co-stars married in 2001.


Status: Married

Chris Chittell and Lesley Dunlop

Emmerdale co-stars Chris Chittell, who plays Eric Pollard, and Lesley Dunlop, who plays Brenda Walker met on set and got married in Cornwall in 2016.


Status: Married

Alan Halsall and Lucy-Jo Hudson

Coronation Street co-stars Alan (Tyrone Dobbs) and Lucy-Jo (Katy Harris) married in 2009 and share daughter Sienna. After splitting in March 2016, the pair reunited, but in 2018 announced they were splitting for good.


Status: Split

Tisha Merry and Alan Halsall

Following the break down of his marriage to Lucy-Jo Hudson, Alan later started dating Tisha Merry, who used to play the role of Steph Britton on the soap. The couple announced they were dating in 2019 and later moved in together.


However, following a five-year romance, the pair split in February 2024, revealing the 'pressure got to them'.


Status: Split

Tina O'Brien and Ryan Thomas

Corrie couple Tina O'Brien (Sarah Louise Platt) and Ryan Thomas (Jason Grimshaw) dated for six years and share daughter Scarlett.


Status: Split

Alfie Browne-Sykes and Amanda Clapham

Alfie Browne-Sykes and Amanda Clapham met whilst both starring on Hollyoaks as Jason Roscoe and Holly Cunningham. After six years of dating the pair split in 2020.


Status: Split

Nicole Barber-Lane and Liam Fox

Hollyoaks' McQueen matriarch Nicole and Liam, who plays Dan Spencer on Emmerdale, were married for 16 years but split in 2015.


Status: Split

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan were Neighbours sweethearts, and fans across the world rooted for them to make it. Sadly, the co-stars split in 1989.


Status: Split

Emmett J. Scanlan and Claire Cooper

Hollyoaks' Emmett J. Scanlan AKA Brendan Brady and Claire Cooper AKA Jacqui McQueen tied the knot in January 2015. The couple have a son together called Ocean-Torin Scanlan. In June 2022, the couple announced they were expecting their second child together, with baby Fiáin-Luna born in November.


Status: Married

Nadia Sawalha and Marc Bannerman

Nadia Sawalha portrayed businesswoman Annie Palmer on EastEnders whilst Marc Bannerman played Gianni di Marco, and the EastEnders stars dated for three years.


Status: Split

Charlie Clapham and Tamara Wall

Charlie has also dated another of his co-stars - Tamara Wall AKA Grace Black.


Status: Split

Anna Passey and Nick Rhys

Hollyoaks stars Anna Passey AKA Sienna Blake and Nick Rhys AKA Lockie Campbell started dating in 2013, but sadly things didn't work out!


Status: Split

Matthew Wolfenden and Charley Webb

Matthew Wolfenden and Charley Webb met on Emmerdale, where Matthew played David Metcalfe and Charley starred as Debbie Dingle. They tied the knot in 2018 and share three sons.


However, in November 2023, the couple released a joint statement to confirm they have now split.


Status: Split

Claire Goose and Jonathan Kerrigan

Casualty co-stars Claire Goose (Tina Seabrook) and Jonathan Kerrigan (Sam Colloby) dated for several years.


Status: Split

Harley Bonner and Ariel Kaplan

Ariel Kaplan and Harley Bonner met on the set of Neighbours where they play twins Imogen Willis and Josh Willis. Sadly, they split in 2016 and both have new partners.


Status: Split

Chris Milligan and Jenna Rosenow

Chris Milligan and Jenna Rosenow also met on Neighbours, playing Kyle Canning and Amber Turner.


Status: Engaged

Daniel Brocklebank and Rob Mallard

Corrie actors Daniel Brocklebank (Billy Mayhew) and Rob Mallard (Daniel Osbourne) dated very briefly before ending their romance in July 2017.


Status: Split

Nadine Mulkerrin and Rory Douglas Speed

Hollyoaks actors Nadine Mulkerrin (Cleo McQueen) and Rory Douglas Speed (Joel Dexter) took their on-screen romance into real life! They even got engaged in December 2018 and welcomed a baby boy in 2019.


On Christmas Day in 2021, the pair confirmed they were expecting their second child together, welcoming Dougie James Speed in May 2022.


Status: Engaged

Daisy Wood-Davis and Luke Jerdy

Hollyoaks stars Daisy Wood-Davis (Kim Butterfield) and Luke Jerdy (Jesse Donovan) have been posting a lot of loved-up snaps together and announced their engagement in 2019. In May 2021 the pair confirmed they were expecting their first child together, later welcoming their son Asa.


The happy couple the got married in June 2022, and two years later announced they were expecting their second child together!


Status: Married

Sally Carman and Joe Duttine

Coronation Street stars Sally Carman and Joe Duttine announced they were dating in summer 2018, and in July 2022, the pair got married!


Status: Married

Sophie Porley and Adam Woodward

Hollyoaks actors Sophie Porley (Ellie Nightingale) and Adam Woodward (Brody Hudson) were together for two years but decided to call time on their relationship during the first lockdown.


Status: Split

Owen Warner and Stephanie Davis

After her on/off romance with Jeremy McConnell came to an end, Stephanie Davis returned to the cast of Hollyoaks and it didn't take long for her to announce she was dating co-star Owen Warner (Romeo Quinn). However, the pair split in 2019.


Status: Split

Mark Jordon and Laura Norton

Emmerdale's Mark Jordon AKA Daz Spencer and Laura Norton AKA Kerry Wyatt met on the set of Emmerdale and began dating in 2015. They announced their engagement on New Year's Day 2019 and in January 2021 welcomed their first child into the world, a baby boy.


In October 2022, the couple welcomed their second child, a baby girl called Ronnie.


Status: Engaged

Fiona Wade and Simon Cotton

Emmerdale's Fiona Wade, who plays Priya Sharma, announced in 2017 that she was dating someone, and when she posted a cryptic photo in the summer of 2018, many were sure that she was in a relationship with Simon Cotton, who had a small part on the soap in 2017. They also announced their engagement on New Year's Day 2019.


Status: Engaged

Anna Passey and Kyle Pryor

Following her split with Nicky Rhys, Anna Passey went public with co-star Kyle Pryor AKA Laurie Shelby in October 2019. They might have played sworn enemies on the show but love clearly blossomed on set.


Status: Dating

Natalie J Robb and Jonny McPherson

Emmerdale actors Natalie J Robb (Moira Barton) and Jonny McPherson (Dr Liam Cavanagh) appeared together in Zoom call during lockdown, confirming rumours that they have been dating since the start of the year.


However, reports suggested in June 2021 that the pair had split earlier in the year.


Status: Split

Kris Mochrie and Max Parker

Former Emmerdale co-stars Kris Mochrie and Max Parker played brothers on the soap, but they stayed in touch when Kris left his role and confirmed their romance with a romantic trip to Dubai in September 2020.


The couple then announced their engagement in January 2021, when Max popped the question!


Status: Engaged

Jemma Donovan and Owen Warner

After Jason Donovan's daughter Jemma joined the cast of Hollyoaks as Rayne Royce in January 2023, sparks were quick to fly with co-star Owen Warner, who plays the role of Romeo Nightingale. The pair confirmed they were dating in April 2023, looking smitten as they enjoyed a holiday in Mallorca.


Status: Dating

Now read:

Emmerdale stars who've dated in real life

Former Coronation Street actress Paula Lane to join cast of Emmerdale

My Mum, Your Dad: Which couples stayed together after the show?

How to listen to MFR:

For great music and incredible competitions tune into MFR on FM and DAB across the North of Scotland, online, on our app, or say ‘Play MFR’ on your Smart Speaker. We play you the biggest hits from the world’s hottest artists. You’ll find new favourites every day and hear the songs you've missed from the last few years. MFR is the home of Jodie at Breakfast, to Garry and Steven getting you home after work.