Emmerdale fans convinced David Metcalfe and Victoria Sugden have been replaced in major storyline
FEARING for their safety following Meena Jutla's return, Victoria Sugden and David Metcalfe left the Dales again.
While Emmerdale fans are baffled by the surprise exit, some speculate they were once replaced in one of the show's major storylines.
The aftermath of Meena's (played by Paige Sandhu) reign of terror continues on ITV.
The sinister nurse returned to the eponymous Yorkshire village last week, crashing Dawn Taylor and Billy Fletcher's wedding.
But before she ever had a bone to pick with the couple, Meena was romantically involved with David Metcalfe (Matthew Wolfenden).
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As she became obsessed with him, she tried to drown Victoria Sugden (Isobel Hodgins) during Survival Week, after the pair admitted they loved each other.
Both characters left for Portugal to pay Diane Sugden a visit as Victoria was recovering from the events, leaving Meena a brand new target in the shape of Billy.
Emmerdale fans now suspect that Meena's obsession with Dawn and Billy was written in to the plot at the last minute as actors Isobel and Matthew temporarily left the show.
Viewers to express their views on the matter but are they right?
"It seemed off she went from being obsessed with them go then being obsessed with Dawn/Billy", one fan wrote.
Another penned: "Maybe its a simple explanation. Maybe with their 'suspension', they couldn't write any stories including David/Victoria because they didn't know when or if they would be able to return."
The viewer added: "They did a quick write-in to show them back and make a brief appearance, but now they are 'off' again because they had to wait for their new scripts to be determined, written and scheduled?"
A third speculated: "Unfortunately you're in the hands of the scriptwriters, who apart from their own limitations also have to deal with problems between cast members creating gaps in the story line."
"Too often it seems to be story-driven rather than character-based."
Although their characters left for a holiday to recuperate, off-screen, Isobel and Matthew were dealing with a much more dire situation.
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Isobel and Matthew were suspended for three months from the long-running drama and only returned in January, 2022, following an alleged race row backstage.
The heated row reportedly involved an unnamed mixed-race actress who was left upset after her accent was said to have been "mimicked" on set.
An investigation was launched by Emmerdale bosses while Matthew and Isobel "categorically" denied all allegations made against them.
And while their exit was temporary, Ellis Chapman actor Aaron Anthony decided to throw in the towel amid the row.
Emmerdale fans were stunned even more by Tuesday's trip to the village as David and Victoria left once again for London, terrified they could be targeted by Meena, who is now behind bars and charged with murder.
More viewers have shared their frustration on the forum: "I can't understand why they would suddenly go off on a holiday again having had so much time off in Portugal."
"The shop was left unattended for weeks as various people who were supposed to be in charge just walked out almost daily. It seems really strange to me."
Another chimed in: "Maybe the actors have been suspended again due to the racial incident and maybe some new information has come out to producers but not revealed yet?"
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But have Emmerdale viewers really hit the nail on the head with their theory?
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7pm on ITV, although a change in the schedule is expected in March, 2022.
