Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden makes gay role debut in comedy short film Kate Expectations
The chemistry between Wolfenden and Carl Loughlin’s characters is undeniable and will undoubtedly put a smile on your face from their very first interaction
By Aaron Sugg
Screening this April, Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden makes his LGBTQ+ role debut in the new comedy short film Kate Expectations.
Set against the backdrop of Ladies’s Day, the 14‑minute short follows the short’s writer Carl Loughlin as Jack, who sparks a romance with bartender Jonny (Wolfenden).
The story centres on Grace (Tina Malone) and her son Jack, who arrive at the Aintree racetrack carrying the ashes of their late partner/father as a tribute, before losing the urn and encountering a variety of characters.
Who stars in Kate Expectations?
The cast includes UK household names, including Clare Balding in her natural habitat as the race commentator; Wolfenden in his first LGBT role; Celebrity Big Brother star Tina Malone as Grace; Loughlin as her son Jack; John May as a security guard; and Denise Ohnona, a recognised Kate Moss lookalike, who appears as the glamorous “supermodel”.
The film is directed by Neil Alderton, a veteran of UK television drama who has worked on shows including Coronation Street, Emmerdale, EastEnders, and Hollyoaks.
This feel‑good short film beautifully blends the queer experience of grief with humour and emotional depth, exploring the journey of finding yourself later in life.
Wolfenden shines in his first LGBTQ+ role, bringing sexual tension and wit to his character of Jonny
The chemistry between Wolfenden and Loughlin’s characters is undeniable and will undoubtedly put a smile on your face from their very first interaction.
Wolfenden shines in his first LGBTQ+ role, bringing sexual tension and wit to Jonny. He acts as a safe space for Carl, and as a queer viewer, makes you feel safe through the screen.
Loughlin previously starred in the gay short film Just Me, which depicts a closeted policeman whose life is turned upside down after he meets Scott (Philip Olivier) at a gay nightclub – a must‑watch exploring sexually conflicted characters.
Kate Expectations will embark on a festival run throughout 2026, aiming to screen at both national and international film festivals.
The film is being shown at Storyhouse Chester on 8 April at the Filmmakers Festival, coinciding with The Grand National on 11 April.