Emmerdale rocked as Victoria Sugden and Jacob's romance cause character's exit

Victoria Sugden (played by Isabel Hodgins) and Jacob Gallagher's (Joe Warren Plant) steamy affair caused a heartbroken David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden) to leave Emmerdale.

David's birthday is awkward for Victoria and Jacob as speculation is high regarding who Jacob's new girlfriend is.

Gabby Thomas (Rosie Bentham) is the prime suspect but David worries the subject is taboo after Leanna Cavanagh's (Mimi Slinger) death.

Despite the rumours swirling around the village, Jacob and Victoria cannot resist the opportunity to use the empty house for a bit of fun.

However, they have to scramble when David unexpectedly arrives home.

David is left stunned when Jacob tells him he is in a relationship with Gabby.

Meanwhile, Victoria is upstairs listening in and cringing at Jacob's excuse to his stepfather.

When David leaves the house, Jacob reassures Victoria that Gabby will go along with his lies, but things take a turn when Victoria realises she's lost a bracelet David gifted her.

At the Woolpack, David teases an oblivious Gabby and she is left totally confused.

When Jacob finds Victoria's bracelet on the floor, he entices her into a relieved smooch.

However, they have no idea David can see them kissing through the window.

He's crestfallen and has a huge decision to make after discovering the truth about the pair.

He decides it is time to leave Emmerdale and says his final goodbyes before driving out of the village.

Will David return to the ITV soap in the future, or is this the last viewers will ever see of him?

How will the rest of the village react when they learn the real reason David's moved away?

Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX.