British actress Charley Webb is a name synonymous with one of British soap opera’s most iconic families. For nearly two decades, she portrayed Debbie Dingle on the ITV programme Emmerdale, a role that made her a household name and earned her critical recognition. While her career on the show defined her public image, recent years have seen her step back from the spotlight, focusing instead on her family and personal life, including a public discussion of her bisexuality and a past relationship with fellow actress Sheridan Smith.
Born in Bury, Greater Manchester, in 1988, Webb joined the cast of Emmerdale at just 15 years old. Her departure from the program in 2021 marked the end of an era for the character, but Webb has remained a figure of public interest, particularly regarding her marriage, children, and recent personal revelations. This article separates verified facts from speculation, drawing on available biographical records and Webb’s own statements.
Is Charley Webb Still Alive?
Yes, Charley Webb is alive. As of 2025, she is 37 years old and maintains an active presence on social media, particularly Instagram, where she shares updates about her life and family. There are no credible reports to suggest otherwise.
Overview Grid
26 February 1988 (age 37)
Actress
Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale (2002-2021)
Matthew Wolfenden (married 2018; separated 2023)
Key Insights
- Charley Webb is best known for her 19-year role as Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale.
- She has been married to fellow Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden since 2018.
- The couple have three children together, all sons.
- In 2025, Webb discussed her bisexuality and a past relationship with actress Sheridan Smith in a podcast interview.
- Webb has largely stepped away from acting since leaving Emmerdale in 2021, focusing on family and her skincare passion.
Snapshot Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charlene Joanne Webb |
| Date of Birth | 26 February 1988 |
| Age (2025) | 37 |
| Birthplace | Bury, Greater Manchester, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Actress |
| Years Active | 2002–present |
| Spouse | Matthew Wolfenden (m. 2018) |
| Children | 3 |
| Notable Role | Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale (2002–2021) |
Who is Charley Webb’s Husband and Family?
Charley Webb’s marital and family life has been a subject of consistent public interest. She married Matthew Wolfenden, her co-star on Emmerdale, in February 2018. Wolfenden is best known for playing David Metcalfe on the same show.
The couple’s relationship began long before their marriage. They started dating in 2007 and became engaged in 2009, though they briefly split in 2013 before reconciling in 2014. They share three sons: Buster Lawrence (born April 2010), Bowie Grey (born December 2015), and Ace Gene (born July 26, 2019).
Despite their lengthy history together, Charley Webb and Matthew Wolfenden permanently separated in November 2023. While they remain the parents of three children, their marriage is officially over.
Who is Charley Webb’s Mum and Siblings?
Charley Webb’s mother is Helen Webb. Her family includes several siblings who are also involved in the entertainment industry. Her full siblings are actor Danny Webb and sister Lucy Webb.
She also has a number of half-siblings from her mother’s previous marriage, including actors Jamie Lomas, who appeared in Hollyoaks, as well as Kelly Lomas and Cassie Lomas. Her half-brother Jamie Lomas was previously married to actress Kym Marsh.
What is Charley Webb’s Net Worth and Career?
Charley Webb’s career is overwhelmingly defined by one role: Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale. She joined the cast in 2002 at age 15 and remained for nearly two decades, becoming a core part of the Dingle family saga. Her performance earned her a nomination for Best Female Dramatic Performance at the British Soap Awards in 2014.
Since leaving Emmerdale in 2021, her acting credits have been limited. She appeared in an episode of the crime drama McDonald & Dodds in 2020 and had a role in the television series Better in 2023. Her career has been primarily in television, and records do not list specific feature film roles.
Financial Picture
No definitive net worth figure is available from authoritative sources. While she was a long-standing cast member of a major UK soap opera, public financial records do not confirm a specific amount. Estimates circulating online, which often range between $1 million and $2 million, remain speculative and unconfirmed.
Since her departure from soap opera, Charley Webb has not announced any new major acting projects. Her public activity suggests a pivot away from acting, with her social media presence focusing on lifestyle content and her personal interests, reflecting a shift in priorities towards family.
What is Charley Webb’s Relationship with Sheridan Smith?
The most notable personal revelation from Charley Webb in recent years involves actress Sheridan Smith. In 2025, during a podcast appearance, Webb discussed her bisexuality and confirmed a past relationship with Smith.
According to a tabloid report from The Sun covering the interview, Webb was “quizzed about bisexuality” and elaborated on her relationship with Smith. Details of their relationship timeline are not fully documented in public records, but Webb’s own statements established the connection for the first time publicly. There is no known professional collaboration between the two actresses; they have not worked together on screen.
This public discussion of her relationship with Sheridan Smith adds a layer of personal depth to Charley Webb’s public persona, moving beyond her established role as Debbie Dingle and connecting her to a wider conversation about sexuality in the entertainment industry.
Key Career and Life Timeline
- 1988: Born in Bury, Greater Manchester.
- 2002: Joins Emmerdale as Debbie Dingle at age 15.
- 2018: Marries Emmerdale co-star Matthew Wolfenden.
- 2021: Leaves Emmerdale after 19 years.
- 2025: Discusses bisexuality and relationship with Sheridan Smith in a podcast.
What Has Been Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Charley Webb is alive and active on social media as of 2025. | Exact net worth figures are not publicly verified; estimates range from $1-2 million. |
| She is married to Matthew Wolfenden and has three children. | Details of her relationship timeline with Sheridan Smith are not fully documented. |
| She played Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale from 2002 to 2021. | Her future acting projects are not announced. |
| She and Sheridan Smith had a past relationship (per Webb’s own statements). | N/A |
Background and Public Persona
Charley Webb’s public identity remains deeply tied to her long-running soap opera role. Her departure from Emmerdale was a significant moment for the show’s narrative, but it also marked her personal decision to step back from the relentless schedule of television production. Since leaving the show, she has cultivated a presence on social media that documents her personal interests, including skincare and family life, rather than acting.
Her decision to openly discuss her bisexuality and a past relationship with another well-known actress represents a deliberate shift in how she engages with the public. This revelation has reframed her narrative, adding a dimension of personal authenticity that was previously absent from her public profile. She remains a figure of interest largely due to her legacy on Emmerdale and the ongoing curiosity about her personal life.
Sources and Key Statements
The biographical information presented in this article draws from several sources:
“Charlene Joanne Webb (born 26 February 1988), commonly known as Charley Webb, is an English actress. From 2002 to 2021, she played Debbie Dingle in the ITV soap Emmerdale.”
“Charley Webb was quizzed about bisexuality during a new podcast appearance…”
Summary: What You Need to Know About Charley Webb
Charley Webb is a British actress who built her career on the iconic role of Debbie Dingle in Emmerdale over 19 years. She is still alive and active on social media. She married co-star Matthew Wolfenden in 2018, with whom she has three sons, though they separated in 2023. In 2025, she publicly discussed her bisexuality and a past relationship with Sheridan Smith. Her net worth remains unconfirmed and speculative. For more on actors with strong ties to British television, you can read about Maggie O’Neill – Biography, Career, and Personal Life and Oliver Farnworth – Biography, Career, and Personal Life Facts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Charley Webb?
She was born on 26 February 1988, making her 37 years old as of 2025.
Is Charley Webb married?
Yes, but she and Matthew Wolfenden are permanently separated as of November 2023.
Does Charley Webb have children?
Yes, she has three sons with Matthew Wolfenden: Buster, Bowie, and Ace.
Who is Charley Webb’s mum?
Her mother’s name is Helen Webb.
Who is Charley Webb’s brother?
She has a full brother named Danny Webb, who is also an actor, and a half-brother named Jamie Lomas.
What is Charley Webb’s net worth?
Estimates range from $1 million to $2 million, but this is not officially confirmed or documented by authoritative sources.
What movies and TV shows has Charley Webb been in?
Her primary role is Debbie Dingle on Emmerdale. She also appeared in the TV series Better (2023) and McDonald & Dodds (2020).
Is Charley Webb still alive?
Yes, she is alive and active on social media as of 2025.
Is Charley Webb related to Sheridan Smith?
No, they are not related. They were in a past relationship, as confirmed by Webb.
George Bennett is Senior Reporter at NewsPrism.co.uk, covering breaking news and general UK stories.