Roxy Shahidi, known for her role as Leyla Harding on Emmerdale for the past 16 years, is preparing to bid farewell to the beloved ITV soap opera. The talented actress is ready to explore new opportunities after dedicating a significant portion of her career to the show. Shahidi initially joined the cast as Leyla in August 2008, took a break in August 2011, returned briefly in December 2013, and then permanently in January 2014. Throughout her time on the show, her character has been involved in numerous dramatic storylines, from being a pole dancer to struggling with drug addiction and even getting shot.
Shahidi, who is married to actor Arsher Ali and has a six-year-old daughter, has always spoken fondly of her time on Emmerdale, expressing her love for being able to develop her character over the years. She has cherished the experience of playing Leyla, describing her as a fun character to portray. However, after so many years on the show, Shahidi is ready for a new chapter in her career. According to insiders, she is looking forward to an impactful exit storyline that will see her character, Leyla, meet her demise on screen. This decision comes from a desire to leave a lasting impression and be remembered by fans in a powerful way.
Despite her upcoming departure from Emmerdale, Shahidi’s talent has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, she showcased her skills as a contestant on Dancing On Ice, giving fans a taste of her versatility as a performer. While viewers have been missing Leyla’s presence on the show in recent months, they can look forward to seeing Shahidi’s final moments as the character unfolds on screen. As fans eagerly await the conclusion of Leyla’s journey, Shahidi’s exit storyline promises to be a memorable and emotional one for all those who have followed her character’s ups and downs over the years.
As Shahidi embarks on this new chapter in her career, the Emmerdale community will undoubtedly miss her presence on set. Her dedication to portraying Leyla with depth and authenticity has left a lasting impact on both viewers and cast members alike. While it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to a beloved character, Shahidi’s departure marks the end of an era and the beginning of exciting new opportunities ahead. Fans can rest assured that Shahidi’s final moments on Emmerdale will be a fitting tribute to the journey she has taken viewers on for the past 16 years.
