Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi, known for her role as Leyla Harding, is saying goodbye to the long-running series after 16 years. Sources close to the star have revealed that she is ready to “spread her wings” and explore new opportunities. Roxy first joined the cast back in August 2008, before taking a break in August 2011. She returned briefly in December 2013 and then made a permanent comeback in January 2014.
During her time on the show, Roxy’s character Leyla Harding went through a multitude of storylines, from being a pole dancer to dealing with addiction and even being shot. Roxy has expressed her love for the show, stating that she enjoyed the opportunity to develop her character over the years. She described Leyla as a fun character to play and expressed gratitude for the growth she experienced as an actress on the show.
A source close to Roxy shared that she has cherished her time on Emmerdale and has built many happy memories with the cast. However, she now feels it is the right moment to move on and explore new acting challenges. The insider mentioned that Roxy is excited about her character’s dramatic exit storyline, which will see Leyla meet a tragic end on screen. This decision was made with the intention of leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Earlier this year, Roxy took on a new challenge by joining the cast of Dancing On Ice as a contestant. Despite her busy schedule, she made time to visit the Emmerdale set and reminisced about her time there with a heartfelt Instagram post. Fans of the show have noticed Leyla’s absence from recent episodes, leading to speculation about her character’s future on the show.
In addition to her television roles, Roxy has also been involved in projects like ITVBe’s Drama Queens, showcasing her versatility as an actress. As she bids farewell to Emmerdale, fans can look forward to seeing Roxy Shahidi shine in new and exciting roles in the future.