Declan Macey is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, portrayed by Jason Merrells. He was introduced on 15 April 2010. The Emmerdale website has described the character by saying "Declan is a shrewd businessman who knows exactly what he wants and how to get it. He's prepared to be unpopular if it's good for business and the people in the village recognise his confidence. He does have a softer side but is not the most attentive husband in the world." In September 2014, Merrells confirmed he had left the show. Declan made his final appearance on 13 October 2014 after exposing the crimes that he committed with his wife, Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins); she framed her cousin Sam (James Hooton) and his girlfriend Rachel Breckle (Gemma Oaten) for starting a fire at Home Farm – which Declan was responsible for during his attempt to commit suicide after becoming on the verge of financial bankruptcy – before causing the events of Declan embarking on a monthly insurance fraud. Casting In January 2010, it was announced that former Waterloo Road star Jason Merrells would be joining the cast of Emmerdale as Natasha Wylde's new love interest. When Amanda Donohoe (who played Natasha) quit the role, Declan became the new owner of Home Farm. In mid-2010, it was announced that a new dynasty would hit Home Farm. The clan included Declan's ex-wife Ella, their daughter Mia, and his father, Dermot. However, they departed in 2011 after the characters were axed by series producer, Stuart Blackburn. It was announced in October, 2011, that Gaynor Faye had joined the cast as Megan Macey, Declan's half sister. On 29 September 2014, Merrells announced that he had quit Emmerdale in order to spend more time with his family. Of his departure, Merrells commented "it was never going to be a job for life and I've stayed way longer than I thought I would." Storylines While he is at a hotel, Declan meets Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins) - who flirts with him and then steals his car. Declan later spots Charity in The Woolpack and blackmails her into going on a date with him. Declan kisses Charity to make her cousin Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) jealous, as he is already aware that Cain is Charity's boyfriend. Declan buys a share in Home Farm from Natasha Wylde (Amanda Donohoe), unaware it is her son Nathan's