Charley Webb has confirmed her departure from Emmerdale after 19 years on the ITV soap.
It comes after reports claimed that the actress “quit” after her husband, Matthew Wolfenden, apparently became involved in a racism row on set.
Now, Charley has finally broken her silence on the rumours.
Charley Webb confirms Emmedale exit
The soap star addressed the reports on Instagram yesterday (January 3), alongside a snap of herself and husband Matthew.
The couple were joined by their three sons, Buster, 11, Bowie, five, and Ace, two.
Speaking of quitting the soap, she said: “This is always my most asked question but I’ve never answered it before because I’ve never wanted to make a big deal of it.
I’ve never wanted to make a big deal of it
“I left to have Ace 2 years ago. I went back at the end of last year for 10 weeks to complete a storyline.
“So, I guess officially it’s been a year. I never felt the need to announce it which is why we didn’t.”
Charley went on maternity leave before welcoming her youngest son in July 2019.
However, reports recently suggested that she quit following an alleged spat involving Matthew.
A source previously told The Sun: “Charley is closing the door on Emmerdale for good and won’t be going back. The past few months have given her time to think about the future and it is one that doesn’t involve Emmerdale.
“Matthew being caught up in the row on set fuelled her decision to step away.”
Read more: Emmerdale confirms Debbie Dingle won’t be returning any time soon
They added: “Naturally the door is open for her character, who is now living in Scotland, should she change her mind. But for now she is looking to the future.”
Meanwhile, an ITV spokesperson said there are “no plans for Debbie Dingle to return” to the soap.
The claims followed shortly after Matthew and his co-star Isabel Hodgins stopped filming last year.
What happened on the Emmerdale set?
The pair reportedly become involved in an argument with a co-star, who was allegedly “subjected to an inappropriate comment and had her accent mimicked”.
At the time, soap bosses were apparently forced to intervene after things turned heated.
Read more: Charley Webb sends cryptic message amid ‘race row’ on Emmerdale set
However, Emmerdale said in a statement: “We would never comment on individual cases.
“Emmerdale has robust policies in place to deal with any allegations brought to our attention and take the appropriate steps.”
Matthew and Isobel both categorically deny any wrongdoing.
Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think of this story.