The Good Ship Murder series 2 continues its tradition of soapy guest stars in episode 5, when Matthew Wolfenden appears in his first TV role since quitting Emmerdale.

Fans of the ITV soap will know that the actor portrayed David Metcalfe for 18 years, from 2006 to 2023. His character was one of the most popular in the Dales, and he was involved in some of the biggest storylines.

So who does Matthew Wolfenden play in the cast of The Good Ship Murder, why did he leave the soap, and what's he been doing since leaving Ememrdale? Here's everything you need to know in our rundown of The Good Ship Murder series 2 episode 5 cast...

Matthew Wolfenden plays Nathan Dymond in the cast of The Good Ship Murder

Yorkshire-born actor Matthew Wolfenden guest stars in episode 5 of The Good Ship Murder series 2. It's his first TV role since leaving Emmerdale in 2023.

He plays Nathan, a passenger who becomes victim to a pickpocketing ring aboard the ship. But events are complicated when Lisa, one member of the gang, is killed. Who is responsible for this lack of honour among thieves?

We're told: "Piers seizes the opportunity to accuse Jack of misconduct, but Kate intervenes, exposing cracks in Piers' confident facade. Meanwhile, Cassie's sympathy for Piers blossoms into romance, leaving Jamil heartbroken."

In this episode - set in Alexandria - Jack's recklessness earns him a stern lecture from Kate, pushing him to confront his own impulsive behaviour. But with Piers and Cassie's relationship heating up, tensions aboard the ship are far from over...

Who did Matthew Wolfenden play in Emmerdale?

Matthew Wolfenden played David Metcalfe, son of Eric Pollard, in Emmerdale. His very first acting job was as an extra on the programme. He later auditioned for the role of Eli Dingle, but lost out to Joseph Gilgun. He was eventually called back for the role of David Metcalfe.

His first appearance as David Metcalfe was in November 26, 2006. He left in November 2023.

Some of his big storylines included his marriage to Tracy, who later left him after his one-night stand with Leyla.

He subsequently started a relationship with teacher Maya Stepney, which went on to become one of the most controversial storylines of soap history when she started grooming David's teenage son Jacob.

Maya later became pregnant with David's son. On Christmas Day 2019, she left the baby - later named Theodore Eric Metcalfe - at David's door.

What else has he been in?

Although Matthew's career has been dominated by his Emmerdale role, he has appeared in other things.

As well as playing David Metcalfe in 1767 episodes of Emmerdale, he also played Timmy Payne in one episode of The Courtroom.

The actor also appeared in Hollyoaks: Let Loose, a spin-off of Hollyoaks. In 2005, he played Jason in one episode.

In early 2007, he finished ninth on the second series of Soapstar Superstar. He was partnered with Russian ice dancer Nina Ulanova for the seventh series of Dancing on Ice - which he went on to win.

Why did he leave Emmerdale? Is he coming back?

Matthew Wolfenden left Emmerdale to pursue a new role, which he described as a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity". He subsequently took on the lead role of Buddy in Elf The Musical at London's Dominion Theatre.

In a statement he said: "I'm so nervous about leaving, after almost two decades. But it feels like the right time. The door's left open, they're not killing me off, I've been promised. So who knows, I might be back, we will see."

He added: "I met my wife on the show, we've had three kids. Not only has it given me 18 years of an amazing job, it's given me family. So to leave it, it's been a big, big part of my life. 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."

However, reports also said he was frustrated after not "getting any gritty storylines".

David was not killed off. He left the Dales to be with his ex Priya and their daughter Amba in London. His decision came after he found out that his son Jacob had fallen for his former partner Victoria...

Fans of the actor will also know that he is no longer with his wife Charley Webb. They split up in 2023, and now co-parent their three children Buster, Bowie, and Ace. He is now dating actress and personal trainer Heather Scott-Martin.

The Good Ship Murder series 2 episode 5 - Alexandria - cast list:

Catherine Tyldesley stars as Kate Woods.

Shayne Ward plays Jack Grayling.

Matthew Wolfenden guest stars as Nathan Dymond.

Zak Douglas is Jamil Al-Rashid.

Colin Smallwood portrays Ross Adams.

Geoffrey Breton is Piers de Vreese.

Siobhan Athwal - aka Manpreet in EastEnders - is Lisa Charnock.

Newcomer Sam Newton stars as Eddie Bridges.

Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! star Sharif Afifi plays Lateef.

Vikings: Valhalla actress Hayat Kamille portrays Layla Mahmood.

The Good Ship Murder series 2 continues with episode 5 - Alexandria - on Friday, February 07, 2025 at 9pm on Channel 5.