Emmerdale star set to ‘die on screen’ as they announce departure from long-standing ITV soap after 16 years. Roxy Shahidi, known for her role as Leyla Harding, is bidding farewell to the show to pursue new opportunities as she exits in a dramatic on-screen storyline. Shahidi has been a fixture on Emmerdale since 2008 and has captivated audiences with her portrayal of Leyla, engaging in various captivating storylines like being a pole dancer, surviving a shooting incident, and battling with drug addiction.
During her tenure, Roxy has shared her love for the show, expressing how playing Leyla has been a rewarding experience, allowing her character to evolve over the years in a unique way. Married to fellow actor Arsher Ali and a mother to a six-year-old daughter, Roxy has made lasting memories on set and established strong bonds with her co-stars whom she considers as family. The decision to leave the show comes as a desire to explore new avenues in her acting career, seeking fresh challenges and growth.
An insider revealed that Shahidi is eager for a change and excited about her character’s dramatic exit, which will see Leyla meet her demise on screen, ensuring a memorable departure. Fans of Roxy Shahidi have followed her journey both on Emmerdale and beyond, including her participation on Dancing On Ice earlier this year, showcasing her versatility as a performer. As viewers anticipate Leyla’s final moments on screen, the actress has left a significant impact on the soap opera landscape with her memorable portrayal.
Shahidi’s absence from recent episodes has left fans speculating about her character’s whereabouts, especially considering Leyla’s complex relationships and past storylines. Her character’s final appearance in late July left viewers intrigued, eager to witness how her on-screen journey will conclude. Despite the imminent departure of Roxy Shahidi from Emmerdale, her fans and colleagues alike celebrate her contributions to the show and eagerly await her future projects post-soap opera.