Emmerdale stars reveal new project after leaving ITV soap

Matthew Wolfenden and Roxy Shahidi, who played David Metcalfe and Leyla Cavanagh on the long-running ITV soap,

Wolfenden, 46, left Emmerdale in 2023 after 17 years on the show, while Shahidi, 43, departed in February 2025 after playing Leyla on and off for 16 years.

Now, the duo has revealed they have spent the past nine years working together as writing partners.

Emmerdale stars reveal exciting new project together after leaving soap

The pair shared the news on Instagram, posting behind-the-scenes photos and a screenshot of their page on United Agents’ website.

Writing over the image, 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.”

Their latest project is an original comedy drama, currently in development.

In a video clip, they teased a look at the pilot script, titled Washed Up.

The script opens with the Bruce Springsteen song Glory Days playing over the opening scene, which is set in 1999 at The Big Breakfast House.

The pair wrote on Instagram over the clip: “We’re loving working and laughing together and we’re so excited to be in development with our original comedy drama.”

In the final slide, Shahidi wrote: “We always have each other’s backs and I’m so grateful for this friendship, even though he is really annoying.”

They captioned the announcement: “Find people you can dream with, create with and, most importantly, laugh with.

“Then somehow work doesn’t feel quite so much like work.”

The comedy-drama isn’t their first venture outside Emmerdale.

Earlier in 2024, they launched a podcast called Celebrity Side Hustles, where they interview actors and TV personalities about their passion projects and businesses beyond acting.

No release date has been announced for their new series.

Former Coronation Street favourite lands new role next to EastEnders star

In other soap news, A former Coronation Street star has landed a new role just months after departing the ITV soap.

Daniel Brocklebank played vicar Billy Mayhew on Coronation Street from 2014 to 2026.

Brocklebank appeared on the ITV soap for the final time earlier this year, after his character Billy was killed in a car crash during the Corriedale crossover.

Brocklebank is now set to star as Caesar Flickerman in The Hunger Games: On Stage.

The production is entering its second year at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre.

Brocklebank said: “It’s an absolute honour to be joining the cast as Caesar Flickerman and I’m very much looking forward to being part of such an exciting cinematic yet theatrical experience.

“I was a fan of the books, and then later the films, for many years.

“I look forward to putting my spin on him.

“Plus, I’ve always thought I’d look fabulous with blue hair.

“It’s very different from any of the many stage productions I’ve done over the last 30 years so this is an exciting string to add to my bow.

“Although Caesar doesn’t use a bow of course, I’ll be leaving that to Katniss.”

He will be joined by former EastEnders actor Neil McDermott, who takes on the role of Haymitch Abernathy.

McDermott said: “I’m delighted to be joining The Hunger Games: On Stage family and the world of Panem.

“It’s thrilling to be trusted with the responsibility of playing Haymitch, particularly in a year where the next installment of the film franchise focusing on Haymitch’s backstory is set to release in cinemas.”

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