# Matt Skilbeck > Mediated Wiki article. Canonical URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Matt_Skilbeck > Markdown URL: https://mediated.wiki/source/Matt_Skilbeck.md > Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Skilbeck > Source revision: 1351598730 > License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/) Fictional character from Emmerdale Soap opera character Matt Skilbeck Emmerdale character Portrayed by Frederick Pyne Duration 1972–1989 First appearance Episode 1 16 October 1972 (1972-10-16) Last appearance Episode 1410 7 December 1989 (1989-12-07) Created by Kevin Laffan Introduced by David Goddard In-universe information Occupation Sheep farmer Father Oliver Skilbeck Mother Elizabeth Skilbeck Wife Peggy Skilbeck (until 1973) Dolly Skilbeck (1978–1990, 1992–present) Sons Sam Skilbeck Samuel Skilbeck Daughters Sally Skilbeck Grandfathers Clive Skilbeck Michael Barlow Grandmothers Mildred Barlow Aunts Beattie Dowton **Matt Skilbeck** is a fictional character from the [British](/source/Television_in_the_United_Kingdom) television soap opera *[Emmerdale](/source/Emmerdale)*, played by [Frederick Pyne](/source/Frederick_Pyne). He is one of the series' original characters and made his debut in the first episode broadcast on 16 October 1972. Pyne was interviewed for the role in 1971 and cast the following year. He came into the show with farming knowledge and an expectation that he would only be in it for five years. Matt is a sheep farmer and married to [Peggy Skilbeck](/source/Peggy_Skilbeck) ([Jo Kendall](/source/Jo_Kendall)) at the beginning of the serial. Matt is characterised as mild-mannered, honest, and stubborn, although Pyne thought his character was too nice. Following Peggy's death and those of his children, Matt marries barmaid [Dolly Acaster](/source/Dolly_Acaster) ([Katharine Barker](/source/Katharine_Barker_(British_actress)); Jean Rogers). A change in Matt's personality occurs when quarry owner Harry Mowlem ([Godfrey James](/source/Godfrey_James)) makes advances towards Dolly and Matt attacks him, leading to his arrest for Mowlem's murder. Pyne decided to leave *Emmerdale* in 1989 to pursue work in the theatre. He was unhappy that the writers chose to split Matt and Dolly up, as they had been one of the few remaining happy families in soap at the time. ## Creation and casting Matt is one of the eight original main characters conceived by playwright and creator of *Emmerdale*, [Kevin Laffan](/source/Kevin_Laffan).[1] After the show's story was mapped out, casting director Sue Whatmough, producer David Goddard, director [Tristan de Vere Cole](/source/Tristan_de_Vere_Cole), and Laffan began the casting process. Actor Frederick Pyne had been earmarked for the role of Matt in 1971, following his appearance in the television legal drama *[Justice](/source/Justice_(1971_TV_series))*.[1] He told Anthony Hayward of *The Emmerdale Companion* that the producer of *Justice* had "put in a good word" for him. He recalled that at the end of his first interview, he was told not to think too much about it, as the show might not go ahead. A year later, he was asked to meet with Goddard and Laffan, who cast him as Matt.[2] Pyne and his co-stars were taken on for 26 episodes, with an option for another 26. He said that none of them were aware of how popular the serial would become.[3] Unlike the other cast members at the time, Pyne had farming knowledge as he worked on a farm on the borders of Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire when he was younger.[4] Pyne admitted that his biggest fear was forgetting his lines and he said he was "very irritable" while learning them, so he liked to be left alone.[4] Pyne thought he would only be in the serial for five years, but he stayed for 17. He said he had an enjoyable time until near the end.[2] ## Development *Emmerdale* originally centred on the Sudgen family, who ran Emmerdale Farm just outside Beckindale village, with the initial episodes focusing on the death of patriarch Jacob and the return of his eldest son [Jack](/source/Jack_Sugden) ([Andrew Burt](/source/Andrew_Burt)), who has been left the farm by his father.[5] [Jo Kendall](/source/Jo_Kendall) was cast as Matt's wife, [Peggy](/source/Peggy_Skilbeck), who resents her brother inheriting the farm as she feels it belongs to the rest of the family.[1] Pyne immediately identified with his character and the Sugden family, explaining: "When they described Matt and Peggy to me as an ordinary farming couple, with Peggy being the daughter of the Sugdens, I said, 'I know these people.'"[2] Matt was initially billed as "a content countryman" who does not hold the same ambitions as his wife, who had hoped that selling their share of the farm would lead to a move to suburbia. Matt is happiest when he is enjoying his job on the farm and he feels he has done "a fair day's work", however, his love for his wife means he will allow her to win and he will break away from the farm for Peggy's happiness.[1] *Soap Box* author Hilary Kingsley described Matt as a "mild-mannered sheep-farmer".[4] She observed that he is slow moving and slow talking, likening his speaking voice to that of "dictation speed."[4] She also called him "a plodder" and "stubborn when his temper is aroused".[4] Pyne thought that Matt was "too nice and goody-goody" during his tenure.[4] The character's decent, honest nature was true to Laffan's ideal.[4] Matt's storylines often revolved around his family and affected by tragedy. Shortly after giving birth to their twins [Sam](/source/Sam_Skilbeck) and [Sally Skilbeck](/source/Sally_Skilbeck) (Jamie and Justine Bell), Peggy dies from a [brain hemorrhage](/source/Brain_hemorrhage). The twins and Matt's aunt are later killed when a train hits their car. Matt "spent the night stumbling around on the moors",[6] with Kingsley noting that Matt was "totally grief-stricken".[4] The character later marries [Dolly Acaster](/source/Dolly_Acaster) ([Katharine Barker](/source/Katharine_Barker_(British_actress)); Jean Rogers). She has a miscarriage at eight months, but they go on to have a son [Samuel Skilbeck](/source/Samuel_Skilbeck) (Benjamin Whitehead).[6] A different side to the normally laid back character emerges when Harry Mowlem ([Godfrey James](/source/Godfrey_James)) begins making advances towards Dolly. Matt later attacks the quarry owner and Pyne justified his character's actions, explaining: "Mowlem was such a monster that even the most placid person would lose their temper."[2] Matt is arrested for manslaughter when Mowlem is found dead, but he is released when criminal Derek Warner (Dennis Blanch) later admits to Mowlem's murder.[7] Pyne decided to leave *Emmerdale* in 1989 to pursue theatrical work.[8] He explained "I was approaching 50 and thought that, if I didn't get out soon and do other good character work in the theatre, I never would."[2] He told Wendy Granditer of *[Inside Soap](/source/Inside_Soap)* that he was happy to stay all those years, and he had "a lovely time", but he felt he had done enough. He also disliked the show's move away from farming to more sensational plots featuring sex and violence.[3] Pyne's departure also coincided with that of Laffan's.[2] He filmed his last scenes on 5 November 1989.[3] On-screen, Dolly has an affair, ending her and Matt's marriage. Pyne expressed his dislike of the plot, believing that it was out of character. He thought it was sad that one of the "few good, happy families" in soap had to be split up.[2] He felt that there should be "at least one happy family per soap, otherwise it's all rows."[3] Pyne found it fairly easy to move on from *Emmerdale*. He secured a role in a pantomime, followed by various stage productions.[3] He kept in touch in with his co-stars, including [Sheila Mercier](/source/Sheila_Mercier) ([Annie Sugden](/source/Annie_Sugden)).[3] Pyne later said he regretted being on *Emmerdale* for so long, as he felt [typecast](/source/Typecast). He said: "I wouldn't advise young actors to stay in a soap for too long because it can do them as much harm as good."[8] ## Storylines Matt is married to Peggy Sugden and helps out on the Sugdens' farm. Peggy becomes concerned for their future when the farm is bequeathed to her brother Jack Sugden, after their father's death. Peggy finds out she is pregnant and encourages Matt to pursue a factory job in Hotten. During the interview, Matt objects to being described as an "unskilled labourer" and stays on in Beckindale to work for Emmerdale Farm Ltd. Peggy gives birth to twins, Sam and Sally, but dies of a brain haemorrhage soon after. Upon his wife's death, Matt inherits her shares in Emmerdale Farm Ltd. The twins are sent to live with Matt's aunt [Beattie Dowton](/source/Beattie_Dowton) (Barbara Ogilvie). All three are killed in a car crash when the children are just three years old. Matt later marries Woolpack barmaid Dolly Acaster. Matt and Dolly convert a barn attached to the Emmerdale farm house into a cottage for them to live in. Dolly gives birth to their son Samuel, who is named after Matt's first-born son. Matt's former grandfather-in-law [Sam Pearson](/source/Sam_Pearson_(Emmerdale)) ([Toke Townley](/source/Toke_Townley)) is also pleased with the naming decision. Quarry owner Harry Mowlem begins harassing Dolly, to the couple's distress. Mowlem believes he has an old score to settle, as Matt had taken the dog Mowlem was ill treating away from him. Matt gets into a physical struggle with Mowlem after finding him stealing sheep. The following morning, Mowlem is found dead and Matt is charged with manslaughter. He is cleared when Mowlam's crooked associate Derek Warner confesses to the crime. After the reclusive Mr Metcalfe ([Bernard Kay](/source/Bernard_Kay)) dies, Matt learns that Metcalfe has left him Crossgill farm in recognition of his help. Dolly insists that they move out of Emmerdale Farm, but Matt is reluctant. Crossgill is razed to the ground after builder Phil Pearce ([Peter Alexander](/source/Peter_Alexander_(English_actor))) leaves some rags to burn unattended in the farmhouse. Dolly and Matt grow apart and she has an affair with timber consultant [Stephen Fuller](/source/Stephen_Fuller_(Emmerdale)) (Gregory Floy). After the failure of his second marriage, Matt leaves the village to run a sheep farm in Norfolk, but later remarries Dolly after she and Sam join him. Matt was mentioned after Annie’s death in 2020, when her granddaughter [Victoria](/source/Victoria_Sugden) ([Isabel Hodgins](/source/Isabel_Hodgins)) visits Matt to arrange Annie's funeral. ## Reception Jon Kelly of the *[Daily Mirror](/source/Daily_Mirror)* observed that "life was tough" for Matt, and branded him a "hapless farmhand".[8] Writer and critic Hilary Kingsley called Matt "the most boring man in soap".[4] Wendy Granditer of *Inside Soap* noted that "All Matt Skilbeck wanted was a quiet life".[3] ## References 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Beginning_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Beginning_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Beginning_1-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Beginning_1-3) [Hayward 1997](#refhayward), pp. 10–11. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FP_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FP_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FP_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FP_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FP_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-FP_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-FP_2-6) [Hayward 1997](#refhayward), pp. 184–185. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Granditer_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Granditer_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Granditer_3-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Granditer_3-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Granditer_3-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Granditer_3-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Granditer_3-6) Granditer, Wendy (16–29 August 2003). "Where are they now – Frederick Pyne". *[Inside Soap](/source/Inside_Soap)*. No. 238. p. 71. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-Kingsley297_4-8) [Kingsley 1988](#refkingsley), pp. 297–298. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Panther, Lewis (14 October 2012). ["40 years ago this was the Sugden soap opera"](https://www.thefreelibrary.com/40+years+ago+this+was+the+Sugden+soap+opera-a0311434641). *[The People](/source/The_Sunday_People)*. Retrieved 29 April 2021. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Rowe_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Rowe_6-1) Rowe, David (5 October 1997). ["How Dairy Spice, Emmerdale extra, turned into Scary Spice, worth pounds 4m!; 25 Years of Emmerdale"](https://www.thefreelibrary.com/How+Dairy+Spice%2C+Emmerdale+extra%2C+turned+into+Scary+Spice%2C+worth...-a061136464). *[Sunday Mirror](/source/Sunday_Mirror)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210429232016/https://www.thefreelibrary.com/How+Dairy+Spice,+Emmerdale+extra,+turned+into+Scary+Spice,+worth...-a061136464) from the original on 29 April 2021. Retrieved 29 April 2021. 1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Parkin 2002](#refparkin), p. 68. 1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Kelly_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Kelly_8-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Kelly_8-2) Kelly, Jon (18 March 2005). ["Emmerdale Week: Those were the dales.. We Find The Emmerdale Originals"](https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Emmerdale+Week%3A+Those+were+the+dales..+WE+FIND+THE+EMMERDALE...-a0130431740). *[Daily Mirror](/source/Daily_Mirror)*. Retrieved 27 April 2021. - [Hayward, Anthony](/source/Anthony_Hayward) (1997). *The Emmerdale Companion*. Orion Media. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-7528-1776-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-7528-1776-7). - Kingsley, Hilary (1988). *Soap Box*. [Macmillan Publishers](/source/Macmillan_Publishers). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-333-46949-1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-333-46949-1). - [Parkin, Lance](/source/Lance_Parkin) (2002). *30 Years of Emmerdale*. Granada Media Group. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-233-05068-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-233-05068-3). v t e Emmerdale characters Present characters Robert Sugden Eric Pollard Kim Tate Victoria Sugden Sam Dingle Mandy Dingle Marlon Dingle Paddy Kirk Belle Dingle Charity Dingle Cain Dingle Bob Hope Rodney Blackstock Nicola King Rhona Goskirk Gabby Thomas Laurel Thomas Chas Dingle Aaron Dingle Jimmy King Sarah Sugden Moira Dingle Jai Sharma Ross Barton Bear Wolf Mary Goskirk Former characters Louise Appleton Seth Armstrong Chloe Atkinson Adam Barton Holly Barton John Barton Edna Birch Bernice Blackstock Amos Brearly Lily Butterfield Leanna Cavanagh Graham Clark Danny Daggert Toni Daggert Marcus Dean Anna De Souza Donald De Souza Miles De Souza Alice Dingle Debbie Dingle Del Dingle Eli Dingle Lisa Dingle Shadrach Dingle Tina Dingle Zak Dingle Betty Eagleton Daz Eden Nell Fairfax Liv Flaherty Adam Forsythe Ella Forster Jonny Foster Biff Fowler Linda Fowler Alicia Gallagher Dave Glover Kathy Glover Roy Glover Marshall Hamston Leyla Harding Chloe Harris Ella Hart Jamie Hope Viv Hope Billy Hopwood Rachel Hughes Perdita Hyde-Sinclair Eve Jenson Ivan Jones Meena Jutla Carl King Lexi King Matthew King Rosemary King Sadie King Tom King Emily Kirk Jason Kirk Ross Kirk Pearl Ladderbanks Lizzie Lakely Faye Lamb Ryan Lamb Paul Lambert Declan Macey Steve Marchant Paul Marsden Siobhan Marsden Suzy Merton David Metcalfe Scarlett Nicholls Lord Alex Oakwell Sam Pearson Val Pollard Hari Prasad Len Reynolds Sean Reynolds Nikhil Sharma Priya Sharma Grayson Sinclair Dolly Skilbeck Matt Skilbeck Jo Stiles Steph Stokes Andy Sugden Annie Sugden Diane Sugden Jack Sugden Joe Sugden Katie Sugden Pat Sugden Sarah Sugden Chris Tate Frank Tate Zoe Tate Ashley Thomas Jasmine Thomas Sandy Thomas Tara Thornfield Alan Turner Terence Turner Brenda Walker Gennie Walker Jackson Walsh Naomi Walters Chrissie White Henry Wilks Shelley Williams Donna Windsor Kelly Windsor Scott Windsor Vic Windsor Dawn Woods Terry Woods Amy Wyatt Maisie Wylde Mark Wylde Natasha Wylde Nathan Wylde By year 1972–1973 1974–1975 1977 1978–1979 1982–1983 1988 1989 1990 1991 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 --- Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Matt Skilbeck](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Skilbeck) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matt_Skilbeck?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.