Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden is embarking on a 'mid-life reboot' after branding himself 'old, fat and lazy' in a candid new Instagram video. 

The TV star, 45, who is best known for playing David Metcalfe on the ITV soap, took to social media with the clip of himself walking in the sunshine as he opened up to his followers about wanting to kickstart a new fitness regime. 

Matthew explained he was planning on cutting back on his alcohol intake and using his social media to keep himself accountable as he started the new regime. 

The actor said: 'Let's cut to the chase. I am getting old, I'm fat. There, I've said it. Look I know that I'm not that old and I know that I'm not that fat. But for me, I've got lazy.

'Now let me just tell you why I'm doing this video. I'm not doing it as some sort of vanity project... I don't want people to go 'you're not that old and you're not that fat'.

'It's how I feel in myself, and I'm 45. I'm 46 in a week's time. And the last year I've just got lazy, and that comes with having kids, comes with having work and jobs.

'I have got lazy. I've got lazy with how I look after me and myself and my skin. I've got lazy with going to the gym. I've got lazy with eating, like I used to eat so so well.'

Matthew explained how he used to have a 'cheat' meal once a week, but felt that his diet had got out of hand with it becoming 'more of a norm'. 

The actor admitted he planned to get back on track with more 'good days' and planned to use the app as 'motivation' to keep going. 

'I wanted to jump on here, like I say not as a vanity project… look I've got spots as well,' he continued. 'See not looking after myself, probably drinking too much as well.

'I think we all need a bit of a mid-life reboot, and I'm going to do that and I'm going to use this platform to do that.

'Because for me and my little ADHD-deep brain I need a motivation to do anything.'

Matthew added in the caption of the video: 'Day 1 - Midlife Reboot - 'TRUTH'.'

His fans soon flooded the comments section with support, with one writing: 'Right there with you mate!! Let's push one another!'

Another chimed in: 'Good luck, I've just started today, trying to move more and eat better,' as a third added: 'Go for it, accountability right there!!!'

Matthew has been best known for his role as David in Emmerdale, playing the character for 17 years from 2006 to 2023 before waving goodbye to the soap. 

The actor previously showed off his toned body when he took part in ITV's The Full Monty in 2017, stripping off to raise money for cancer charities. 

Matthew welcomed three children with his now-ex Charley Webb, who played Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale, between 2010 and 2019, Buster, 16, Bowie, 10, and Ace, six. 

In March, it was teased that Matthew could make his return to TV, as reports claimed he would join the cast of Hollyoaks alongside a familiar soapland face. 

Reports suggested Rebecca Ryan, who is best known for starring on hit TV series Shameless, had signed up for a big role on the Channel 4 series.

'Rebecca and Matthew are going to launch a big new family for Hollyoaks with a major storyline later this year', a source told The Sun.

'They've just begun filming and everyone's really excited about having them on board.'

Speaking about Matthew's new role on Hollyoaks, a source told The Sun: 'This an exciting new chapter for Matthew. He's a big signing for Hollyoaks and is expected to be a hit with viewers.' 

The actor famously played David Metcalfe in the long-running series for 17 years, but left in late 2023 after being offered the starring role of Buddy in an eight-week run of Elf The Musical in London's West End. 

A strict cast rule meant he was not allowed to take time off over Christmas, so he chose not to renew his contract and his Emmerdale exit played out on screen in April 2024.

Matthew previously revealed that bosses had left the door open for a possible return to Emmerdale, though that now appears unlikely.

He said at the time: 'I'm so nervous about leaving, almost two decades. It feels like the right time, yeah, the door has been left open, they're not killing me off, they promised. 

'Who knows, I might be back, we will see. Not only has it given me 18 years of an amazing job, it's given me family. It's been a big, big part of my life.'

Emmerdale continues tonight at 8pm on ITV1 and ITVX.