Emmerdale stars reveal huge new TV job together years after quitting the show

TWO Emmerdale stars have revealed a huge new telly job together after both quitting the show. One of the actors left the ITV series after his character’s son had a secret romance with his ex-girlfriend. Matthew Wolfenden and Roxy Shahidi have revealed they’re writing a new comedy drama together Credit: Instagram The pair have remained good pals since leaving Emmerdale Credit: Instagram Meanwhile, the other was killed off in a dramatic limousine crash. Now, Matthew Wolfenden, 46, and Roxy Shahidi have teamed up to create something new for fans after spending 16 years together on Emmerdale. Sign up for the Emmerdale newsletter Thank you! Taking to Instagram, the pair shared that they have been “keeping a secret.” In a string of behind-the-scenes snaps, Matthew and Roxy finally announced they’ve been writing partners for nearly a decade. Read more on Matthew Wolfenden Writing over a screengrab of their page on literary and talent agency, United Agents, they said: “We’ve never shared the fact that for the last nine years we’ve been writing partners – it’s truly brought us so much joy.” The soap stars have been creating their own original comedy drama. While there’s currently no release date, it seems the pair can’t be far from fruition if they’ve at last decided to share the exciting news. In one video posted, fans can see a glimpse of a script titled “Washed Up – Pilot.” Most read in TV Matthew Wolfenden played David Metcalfe for 17 years on the ITV soap Credit: ITV Roxy Shahidi played Leyla Cavanagh before quitting the soap in 2025 Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk The first lines of the script sees the episode begin with pre titles and then the song ‘Glory Days’ by Bruce Springsteen played over the top. Underneath it says: “Screen Caption: 1999,” perhaps hinting at the year their drama will be set. It reads that the first scene will begin in “The Big Breakfast House – Bedroom.” They wrote over the clip: “We’re loving working and laughing together & we’re so excited to be in development with our original comedy drama.” The final slide of the announcement showed Matthew showing off his guns as Roxy grinned from ear-to-ear. “We always have each other’s backs and I’m so grateful for this friendship, even though he is really annoying,” said Roxy, who played Leyla Cavanagh in the soap. They captioned the post: “Find people you can dream with, create with and, most importantly, laugh with. Then somehow work doesn’t feel quite so much like work.” One fan wrote: “This is great news!! Go on guys.” Another fan penned: “That is amazing Roxy – the best of luck and love to you both xx” Gemma Atkinson said: “This is brilliant,” followed by a heart emoji. This isn’t the first time – soap aside – Matthew and Roxy, 43, have worked together. In 2024 they launched their podcast Celebrity Side Hustles, which saw them interview actors and TV personalities about their passion projects, hidden talents, and business ventures outside of acting. Matthew left Emmerdale in 2023 after 17 years in his role as David Metcalfe. Roxy quit the show in February 2025 after playing Leyla on-and-off for 16 years. Comment now