Former Emmerdale star Charley Webb has hit back at trolls who criticised her week-on, week-off co-parenting arrangement with ex-husband Matthew Wolfenden. The actress, who played Debbie Dingle on the ITV soap, shares three sons—Buster, 16, Bowie, 10, and Ace, six—with Wolfenden. The couple split in 2023 after five years of marriage and 15 years together.
Charley Webb Responds to Social Media Backlash
Speaking on the Live, Laugh and Luke podcast with Luke Hamnett, the 38-year-old addressed the criticism: 'We have them a week on, a week off, which I love so much because I get so much [backlash] on social media. Like, "Are you not with the kids?" I'm like, "Listen Brenda, I have a week off and I'm going to do what the f**k I want."'
Reflecting on her recent trip to Australia with Sheridan Smith, she added: 'If I want to go to Australia, I am going. But actually, to be fair, I was away for a little bit longer than my week, but still Susan shh!'
From Difficulty to Acceptance: A Better Mum
Webb admitted the arrangement was initially hard but now sees its benefits. 'At first it was really hard—it was 50 per cent of the time and I thought, "Where are my children?" But now I'm like, I'm living my best life because you know what, I'm so much better when I've had a week off from them. I'm like I can be a really good mum now because I've had a break.'
She emphasised the importance of finding humour in the situation: 'Obviously it's not ideal, you sort of have to find the joke in it and have to find the fun in it or you would go a bit mad.'
Matthew Wolfenden's Role in the Arrangement
Webb clarified that the 50-50 split was Wolfenden's suggestion. 'It doesn't feel like enough but their dad wanted 50 per cent of the time and of course you know, I respect that.' She noted the challenge of readjusting after time away: 'Sometimes when I get back and I've been away from them I forget how loud they are and it takes me so long to re-adjust. I'm like, "Guys I'm really overstimulated" because they're just so loud, it's three boys.'
Wolfenden's Perspective on Co-Parenting
Matthew Wolfenden has also spoken positively about the arrangement. 'It works really well. We're living across the road from each other, so we see the kids even when it's not our week and all the time,' he told The Mirror. He advised other separated couples: 'You do just have to learn a lot as you go. It's all new. I think everyone's different, so you've got to create your own path. The most important thing is to think of the children. As long as they're happy and thriving, then I think you've done a good job.'
