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Charley Webb
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Charlene Joanne Webb (born 26 February 1988), commonly known as Charley Webb, is an English actress. From 2002 to 2021, she portrayed the role of Debbie Dingle in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. In 2014, she was nominated for Best Female Dramatic Performance at the British Soap Awards.
Key Information
Career
[edit]Before landing the role of Debbie, Webb previously appeared on the stage in Manchester in a production of Bugsy Malone when she was eight. She joined the soap opera Emmerdale in 2002 at the age of 14. She was nominated for Best Actress at the 2009 British Soap Awards and was also nominated for Sexiest Female at the 2010 British Soap Awards. In 2021, Webb announced that she had made the decision to leave Emmerdale after 19 years.[1]
Personal life
[edit]Webb attended Philips High School in Whitefield, Greater Manchester.[2] She has two older sisters, and her older brother Jamie Lomas is an actor, known for playing Warren Fox in the Channel 4 soap opera, Hollyoaks.[3] In September 2009, Webb and Emmerdale co-star Matthew Wolfenden announced that they were expecting their first child, due in spring 2010.[4] Webb gave birth to a boy in April 2010.[5] They announced in June 2015 that were having a second child, giving birth to another son on 19 December 2015.[6] In February 2018, Webb and Wolfenden married; their co-star, Lucy Pargeter, was a bridesmaid.[7] Webb announced her third pregnancy in February 2019,[8] giving birth to a third son on 26 July 2019.[9] In November 2023, they announced that they had separated.[10]
In November 2025, Webb revealed that she has been initially diagnosed with both Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Autism.[11]
Filmography
[edit]Television
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2021 | Emmerdale | Debbie Jones/Dingle | Series regular. 1821 episodes |
| 2006 | The Royal | Kathy Carberry | Series 5; Episode 9: "Winners & Losers". Uncredited role |
| 2012 | All Star Mr & Mrs | Herself - Contestant | Series 4; Episode 9 |
| 2014 | Text Santa 2014 | Debbie Dingle | Television Special |
| 2015 | All Star Family Fortunes | Herself - Contestant | Series 11; Episode 10: "Matthew Wright vs Charley Webb" |
| 2018 | Celebrity Chase | Herself - Contestant | Series 8; Episode 5: "Emmerdale Special" |
| 2020 | Celebrity Supermarket Sweep | Herself - Contestant | Series 2; Episode 4 |
| 2023 | Better | Elise | Episode 1 |
| The Long Shadow | WPC Anna Lawson | Mini-series; 4 episodes | |
| 2024 | McDonald & Dodds | Hilary McLean | Series 4; Episode 2: "Jinxy Sings the Blues" |
| Ellis | Abbie Summerfield | Episode 3: "Brindleton" |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Young Actor | Won | [12] |
| 9th National Television Awards | Most Popular Newcomer | Nominated | [13] | |
| 2005 | British Soap Awards | Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor or Actress | Nominated | [12] |
| 11th National Television Awards | Most Popular Actress | Nominated | [14] | |
| Inside Soap Awards | Best Young Actor | Won | [12] | |
| 2007 | British Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [15] |
| Inside Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [16] | |
| 2008 | Inside Soap Awards | Best Bitch | Nominated | [17] |
| 2009 | British Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [18] |
| Inside Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [19] | |
| 2010 | British Soap Awards | Sexiest Female | Nominated | [20] |
| 2012 | 17th National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Nominated | [21] |
| British Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [22] | |
| 2013 | 18th National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Nominated | [23] |
| British Soap Awards | Villain of the Year | Nominated | [24] | |
| British Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [24] | |
| Inside Soap Awards | Best Bitch | Nominated | [25] | |
| 2014 | 19th National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Nominated | [26] |
| British Soap Awards | Sexiest Female | Nominated | [27] | |
| British Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [27] | |
| British Soap Awards | Best Dramatic Performance | Nominated | [28] | |
| Inside Soap Awards | Best Actress | Nominated | [29] | |
| 2015 | TV Choice Awards | Best Soap Actress | Nominated | [30] |
| Inside Soap Awards | Best Actress | Shortlisted | [31] | |
| Inside Soap Awards | Best Affair (shared with Michael Parr) | Won | [32] | |
| 2016 | 21st National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Nominated | [33] |
| 2019 | 24th National Television Awards | Serial Drama Performance | Nominated | [34] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Emmerdale's Charley Webb 'quits ITV soap after 19 years' following husband's racism row". Daily Mirror. 23 December 2021.
- ^ "Sammy up for TV soap title". The Bolton News. 18 May 2007. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
- ^ "Emmerdale star Charley Webb shares sweet childhood photo showing her with brother Jamie Lomas". Digital Spy. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- ^ "'Emmerdale' stars expecting a baby". Digital Spy. 18 September 2009.
- ^ "He's famous for playing Emmerdale's mild-mannered vicar Ashley Thomas". Yorkshire Evening Post. 7 April 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2010.
- ^ "Emmerdale stars Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden introduce their new son Bowie Grey for the first time". Digital Spy. 16 March 2016.
- ^ Bourne, Dianne (19 February 2018). "Surprise wedding for Emmerdale's Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
- ^ "Emmerdale's Charley Webb confirms she's pregnant with her and Matthew Wolfenden's third child". Digital Spy. 3 February 2019.
- ^ "Emmerdale star gives birth to third child with Matthew Wolfenden". Digital Spy. 29 July 2019.
- ^ "Emmerdale stars Matthew Wolfenden and Charley Webb confirm split". Digital Spy. 23 November 2023.
- ^ Anderton, Joe (22 November 2025). "Emmerdale star Charley Webb shares life-changing early diagnosis". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Retrieved 22 November 2025.
- ^ a b c "British Television Soap Awards". thecustard.tv. Archived from the original on 2 February 2008. Retrieved 20 April 2009.
- ^ "National Television Awards". thecustard.tv. Archived from the original on 17 December 2007. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
- ^ "National Television Awards". thecustard.tv. Archived from the original on 17 December 2007. Retrieved 1 February 2011.
- ^ "The British Soap Awards 2007: The Winners". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 26 January 2020.
- ^ Green, Kris (3 July 2007). "Inside Soap Awards 2007: The Nominations". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi (UK) Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 June 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ "Inside Soap Awards 2008 – Nominations". MSN. Microsoft. 16 July 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
- ^ Green, Kris; KilKelly, Daniel (10 May 2009). "British Soap Awards 2009: The Winners". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
- ^ "Inside soap awards nominations". 8 July 2009. Retrieved 15 June 2011.
- ^ Green, Kris; Kilkelly, Daniel (9 May 2010). "British Soap Awards 2010: The Winners". Digital Spy. Hachette Filipacchi UK. Retrieved 19 March 2012.
- ^ Wrightman, Catriona (27 September 2011). "National Television Awards 2012: The nominees". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (27 February 2012). "British Soap Awards 2012 voting opens, nominations revealed". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 July 2012.
- ^ Fletcher, Alex (22 September 2012). "National Television Awards 2013: Longlist nominations in full - vote". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 October 2012.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (11 March 2013). "British Soap Awards 2013 voting opens, nominations revealed". Digital Spy. Archived from the original on 1 November 2013. Retrieved 11 March 2013.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (22 July 2013). "Inside Soap Awards 2013 - longlist nominees in full". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2 August 2013.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel (17 September 2013). "Corrie, EastEnders, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks stars up for NTAs - full list". Digital Spy. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
- ^ a b Kilkelly, Daniel (17 March 2014). "British Soap Awards 2014 voting opens, longlist announced". Digital Spy. Retrieved 10 July 2014.
- ^ Kilkelly, Daniel; Dainty, Sophie (25 May 2014). "British Soap Awards 2014 – winners in full". Digital Spy. Hearst Magazines UK. Archived from the original on 3 January 2019. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
- ^ Dainty, Sophie (29 July 2014). "Inside Soap Awards 2014 longlist revealed". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
- ^ "TVChoice Awards 2015: Emmerdale nominated!". ITV. 19 May 2015.
- ^ Sandwell, Ian (29 September 2015). "EastEnders and Emmerdale lead 'final four' shortlists for the Inside Soap Awards 2015". Digital Spy. Retrieved 29 September 2015.
- ^ "Emmerdale and Michael Parr storm the Inside Soap Awards". Digital Spy. 5 October 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- ^ "National Television Awards 2016: Vote Emmerdale". ITV. 9 October 2015.
- ^ Harp, Justin (16 October 2018). "Here are all the nominees for the National TV Awards 2019, including Strictly, Doctor Who and Ant & Dec". Digital Spy. Retrieved 9 January 2019.
External links
[edit]- Charley Webb at IMDb
Charley Webb
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Family and upbringing
Charley Webb was born Charlotte Anne Webb on 26 February 1988 in Bury, Greater Manchester, England.[15][16] She was raised by her single mother, Helen Webb, in a close-knit family in the nearby area of Whitefield after her father passed away when she was 14.[16][17] Helen, a working mother who managed the household single-handedly, provided a stable environment for her children following the loss, instilling resilience and family values.[18] Webb grew up with three siblings: two older sisters, one of whom is make-up artist Cassie Webb, an older brother Jamie Lomas who is also an actor known for roles in Hollyoaks, and a younger brother Daniel Webb, who has appeared in television productions.[1][19] The family background exposed her to local life in Bury and Whitefield, where she attended Philips High School and participated in typical school activities amid a supportive sibling dynamic.[15][20]Initial acting pursuits
Charley Webb's interest in acting developed during her childhood in Bury, Greater Manchester, where she attended Philips High School in nearby Whitefield. At around age eight, her passion was sparked through drama classes at school, where her teacher recognized her talent and contacted her mother to suggest she audition for a local stage production.[21][1] This led to her first professional role in a Manchester production of the musical Bugsy Malone at age eight, marking her entry into stage performance. The experience in this youth-oriented show, which featured child actors in a Prohibition-era gangster story, fueled her early enthusiasm for theater and local performing arts opportunities in the region.[1][22] As a teenager, Webb continued her involvement in youth theater and performing arts, building on her initial stage work while balancing school. By age 14, in 2002, she successfully auditioned for the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, securing the role of Debbie Dingle—originally introduced as a foster child—without prior screen experience, launching her into professional television.[1]Career
Breakthrough on Emmerdale
At the age of 14, Charley Webb was cast as the troubled teenager Debbie Dingle in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale, marking her breakthrough role after some prior stage work that aided her successful audition.[23][5] She made her on-screen debut in the episode broadcast on 24 December 2002, introduced as the foster child of Paddy and Emily Kirk.[23] Debbie's character arc began with her as a rebellious foster teen grappling with identity issues, soon revealed as the secret biological daughter of Cain Dingle and Charity Tate, which thrust her into the chaotic heart of the Dingle family. Key storylines highlighted her evolution, including a teen pregnancy that led to the birth of her daughter Sarah Sugden and later son Jack—conceived as a saviour sibling for Sarah's health needs—as well as her entanglement in criminal schemes typical of the Dingles, such as involvement in scams and dodgy dealings. These narratives underscored her growth from a vulnerable youth to a fierce matriarch, fiercely protective of her family amid ongoing conflicts, betrayals, and reconciliations within the extended Dingle clan.[5][24] Webb's tenure as Debbie spanned from 2002 to 2021, encompassing over 1,800 episodes and solidifying the character's status as a soap staple. Her performance earned critical acclaim for its emotional depth, particularly in handling the role's intense dramatic arcs involving personal loss, family strife, and resilience, which helped elevate Debbie's journey from troubled outsider to empowered family anchor.[25][26]Departure from Emmerdale and later roles
In February 2021, after a brief return to the soap at the end of 2020 to wrap up a revenge storyline for her character Debbie Dingle, Webb's final scenes aired, marking the end of her 19-year tenure on Emmerdale.[4] In December 2021, amid speculation following her husband Matthew Wolfenden's on-set controversy, a source close to Webb confirmed she was leaving the show permanently to pursue new opportunities, with no plans for a return.[27] Webb later elaborated in interviews that her decision stemmed from a desire to "spread her wings" after nearly two decades in a demanding long-running role, emphasizing the challenges of sustaining such an intense commitment while prioritizing family life and personal growth.[28] She expressed no regrets about the move, noting it allowed her to explore diverse projects beyond soap opera constraints.[29] Following her departure, Webb transitioned to varied television roles, showcasing her versatility in drama and crime genres. In 2023, she portrayed WPC Anna Lawson, a police officer involved in the Yorkshire Ripper investigation, in the ITV true-crime miniseries The Long Shadow, which focused on the victims and the manhunt's impact. That same year, she appeared as Elise, a key figure in a web of corruption and moral dilemmas, in the BBC One thriller Better, centered on a detective confronting her criminal past. In 2024, Webb made a guest appearance as nurse Hilary McLean in an episode of the ITV detective series McDonald & Dodds, contributing to a jazz-themed murder investigation. In September 2025, Webb was announced as part of the cast for the ITV six-part drama Adultery, created by Danny Brocklehurst, where she will play Leah, the sister-in-law of the protagonist in a provocative tale of infidelity and family secrets.[10][30][31] This role underscores her continued pivot toward complex, character-driven narratives in contemporary British television.[32]Other professional endeavors
In addition to her acting career, Charley Webb has built a presence as a social media influencer, particularly on Instagram, where she shares fashion and lifestyle content with her 581,000 followers.[33] Her posts often feature outfit inspirations, travel snapshots, and personal style tips, establishing her as a relatable figure in the digital fashion space.[33] Webb has made guest appearances on podcasts, discussing topics related to her professional experiences and personal insights into balancing work with family life. Earlier, in May 2023, she appeared on the "Make-Up Your Life" podcast in an episode hosted by her sister, where she opened up about her acting background and the challenges of parenting.[34] Through social media, Webb has contributed to conversations on parenting by sharing practical tips and honest experiences, such as hacks for teaching children about recycling and managing bedtime routines.[35] She has also endorsed wellness practices, recommending manifesting techniques from Roxie Nafousi's book as part of her routine for maintaining mental health after challenging periods.[36] In 2025, following her separation from her long-term partner, Webb has used platforms like Instagram and TikTok to document aspects of her evolving personal empowerment, including subtle reflections on co-parenting dynamics that emphasize resilience and independence.[37] These posts, often blending motivational messages with everyday updates, have resonated with followers navigating similar life transitions.[38]Personal life
Relationship with Matthew Wolfenden
Charley Webb met fellow actor Matthew Wolfenden on the set of the ITV soap opera Emmerdale in 2006, where she portrayed Debbie Dingle and he played David Metcalfe. The pair began dating in 2007, shortly after the end of Wolfenden's previous relationship.[39][40] The couple started cohabiting in 2008 and became engaged on Christmas Day 2009. Their relationship faced challenges, including a separation in 2013 after five years together, but they reconciled in 2015. In a surprise ceremony at Ripley Castle in Yorkshire on 10 February 2018, Webb and Wolfenden married, with guests initially believing they were attending Webb's 30th birthday party; their Emmerdale co-star Lucy Pargeter served as bridesmaid.[41][42][43][44] Throughout their partnership, Webb and Wolfenden frequently shared insights in joint interviews about navigating the demands of their Emmerdale schedules alongside personal life, such as maintaining their connection during the 2021 lockdown when long work hours tested their routine. They mutually supported each other's professional milestones, including celebrating nominations and on-set successes within the soap's high-pressure environment.[45][46] Webb and Wolfenden announced their separation on 23 November 2023, after 15 years together and five years of marriage. The split was described as amicable, with both emphasizing their focus on co-parenting. In a May 2025 interview, Wolfenden revealed the decision was initiated by Webb and came as a "big shock," while both have since spoken about progressing independently, with Wolfenden entering a new relationship.[12][47]Family and children
Charley Webb and her former partner Matthew Wolfenden share three sons: Buster, born in April 2010;[48] Bowie Grey, born on 19 December 2015;[49] and Ace Gene, born on 26 July 2019.[50][51] Webb's pregnancies with her second and third children coincided with her role on Emmerdale, where her maternity leaves were incorporated into the storyline for her character, Debbie Dingle. For her second pregnancy, announced in June 2015, Webb took maternity leave in late 2015 following the birth of Bowie, with Debbie's narrative adjusted to reflect her absence.[52] Similarly, she announced her third pregnancy in February 2019[53] and began maternity leave in July 2019 after filming her final scenes, during which Debbie's storyline involved a temporary departure from the village.[54][55] Webb has emphasized maintaining her family's privacy, rarely sharing detailed photos or personal updates about her children on social media to shield them from public exposure. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, she described challenges with homeschooling her sons, whom she affectionately called "feral boys," highlighting the chaos of managing their education alongside daily routines. The family has also enjoyed travels together, such as trips that allowed Webb to balance relaxation with parenting responsibilities.[56][57] As of 2025, following their 2023 separation, Webb and Wolfenden have established an amicable co-parenting arrangement for their sons, prioritizing their well-being despite initial adjustments. Wolfenden has noted that co-parenting required time to stabilize after 15 years together, but they now maintain a friendly dynamic focused on family stability.[37][12] Webb has openly discussed the difficulties of balancing motherhood with her acting career, including the emotional toll of long work hours away from her children. She has faced public scrutiny on social media, where trolls have criticized her parenting choices, prompting her to defend her approach fiercely while describing herself as "very protective" of her family. In response to such negativity, Webb has advocated for empathy toward mothers navigating high-profile lives.[58][59][60]Filmography
Television appearances
Webb's television career spans several notable roles across British networks, primarily in drama series and soaps.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002–2021 | Emmerdale | Debbie Dingle | Main role in over 1,800 episodes, ITV soap opera | [1] |
| 2006 | The Royal | Kathy Carberry | Guest role, 1 episode, ITV medical drama | |
| 2023 | Better | Elise | Guest role, 1 episode, BBC One crime drama | |
| 2023 | The Long Shadow | WPC Anna Lawson | Recurring role, 4 episodes, ITV true crime miniseries | |
| 2024 | Ellis | Abbie Summerfield | Guest role, episode 3, Channel 5 detective series | |
| 2024 | McDonald & Dodds | Hilary McLean | Guest role, series 4 episode 2 ("Jinxy Sings the Blues"), ITV crime drama | |
| 2025 | Adultery | Leah Kirkman | Upcoming role in psychological drama series, ITV | [10] |
Stage work
Following her departure from Emmerdale in 2021, Webb made her professional stage debut in 2023, portraying Diana Ingram in the UK national tour of James Graham's play Quiz, a dramatization of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? coughing scandal.[61] Co-starring with Rory Bremner as Chris Tarrant, the production opened at Chichester Festival Theatre on September 22, 2023, toured various venues including the Lowry Theatre in October 2023, marking her first credited professional theatre role.[62] As of November 2025, Webb has not taken on additional major stage productions, though she has occasionally participated in industry readings and workshops as referenced in interviews.[63]Awards and nominations
Wins
Charley Webb has received several accolades throughout her career, primarily recognizing her long-standing portrayal of Debbie Dingle in the ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Despite earning multiple nominations across major soap awards ceremonies, her wins are relatively few, underscoring the competitive nature of the industry and enhancing the significance of her victories as markers of her evolution from a young talent to a respected veteran. These awards highlight pivotal moments in her performance, from early breakthrough roles to later dramatic storylines. In 2003, Webb won the Inside Soap Award for Best Young Actor for her role as Debbie Dingle, celebrating her debut year on Emmerdale and her ability to portray a complex teenage character amid family dynamics.[64] She repeated this success in 2005, securing the same category at the Inside Soap Awards, where her nuanced depiction of Debbie's growth and emotional depth was praised by voters.[65] These early triumphs, rare for emerging actors in soap operas, established Webb as a promising force and contributed to her enduring recognition within the genre. Later in her career, Webb shared the 2015 Inside Soap Award for Best Affair with co-star Michael Parr, honoring the intense on-screen romance and conflict between Debbie Dingle and Ross Barton, which captivated audiences and drove key plot developments in Emmerdale.[66] This win, amid a year where Emmerdale dominated with eight awards overall, affirmed her skill in handling layered relationships and solidified her status as a soap stalwart after over a decade on the show.[67]Nominations
Charley Webb has garnered over 20 award nominations across major UK soap ceremonies, underscoring her sustained recognition for delivering powerful performances in emotionally charged narratives, such as those exploring domestic abuse and family loss in Emmerdale. These accolades highlight her versatility and impact in the genre, with frequent nods for both leading actress categories and standout dramatic scenes.British Soap Awards
Webb's nominations at the British Soap Awards frequently centered on her portrayal of Debbie Dingle, emphasizing her ability to convey complex emotional depth.| Year | Category | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Best Actress | [68] |
| 2014 | Best Female Dramatic Performance | [69] |
| 2008–2020 (multiple) | Best Dramatic Performance | [70] |
