Emmerdale fans are preparing for an emotional farewell as Leyla Harding (Roxy Shahidi) makes a poignant return of sorts following her tragic death.
Although her character was killed off in last month’s dramatic frozen lake stunt, viewers will hear Leyla’s voice one final time during her funeral in scenes set to air this week.
As the villagers gather to say goodbye, Leyla’s son, Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant), continues to struggle with the devastating loss of his mother.
Meanwhile, Leyla’s voiceover, delivered by actress Roxy Shahidi, offers a heartfelt reflection on her life, ensuring that her presence is felt one last time.
Leyla’s Voiceover Adds an Emotional Layer to Her Farewell
In a newly released preview clip, the funeral proceedings take center stage as the village comes together to lay Leyla to rest.
However, what makes this moment even more powerful is Leyla’s posthumous narration.
“It was one hell of a ride,” she says in the voiceover. “Way too short, though.”
Her words serve as a haunting yet heartfelt goodbye, reinforcing the tragic reality of her untimely death. Fans of the long-running ITV soap have watched Leyla navigate love, heartbreak, and personal struggles over the years, making her loss all the more difficult to process.
A Community in Mourning
Leyla’s funeral is not just a farewell to one character but a reminder of the devastating limo crash that claimed multiple lives. Alongside Leyla, both Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) and Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson) lost their lives in the horrifying accident, leaving the village reeling from the tragedy.
As mourners gather at the graveside, Jacob, Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson), Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper), and Charles Anderson (Kevin Mathurin) are among those seen scattering flowers, each dealing with their grief in different ways. Jacob, in particular, is struggling to come to terms with life without his mother, and his emotional turmoil is expected to continue in the coming weeks.
A Tearful Goodbye for the Cast
Behind the scenes, Leyla’s final moments were just as emotional for the actors filming them. Roxy Shahidi previously spoke about how difficult it was to film her final scenes, particularly those with her on-screen son, Joe-Warren Plant.
“I have watched Joe grow up on the soap,” she shared. “When we were filming these scenes, I would see him have a little wobble, and then I would go.”
The emotional weight of the storyline took its toll, with both actors struggling to hold back tears. Shahidi even admitted that during scenes where Leyla was supposed to be lifeless, she found herself crying.
“We were awful because we were just constantly crying! It really worked well for Joe with his scenes, but at one point, I was supposed to be dead, and I had tears streaming down my eyes. I was a weeping corpse,” she added.
What’s Next for Jacob?
With Leyla’s death now official, Jacob faces an uncertain future. He has already shown signs of struggling to cope, and as the reality of his mother’s absence sets in, viewers can expect to see him wrestle with grief, anger, and possibly even guilt.
The funeral marks the beginning of a long and painful healing process for Jacob, and it remains to be seen how he will navigate life without his mother’s guidance. Will he lean on those around him for support, or could his sorrow push him down a darker path?
Emmerdale Bids Farewell to a Fan-Favorite
Leyla Harding has been a staple in Emmerdale for years, and her departure leaves a significant void. Her final voiceover provides a touching and unique way to give her character closure, allowing her to say goodbye in her own words.
As the village mourns her loss, fans will no doubt feel the weight of her absence. But one thing is certain—Leyla’s legacy will live on through the people who loved her, especially Jacob, whose journey is only just beginning.
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