Roxy Shahidi has been a beloved part of Emmerdale for 15 years, portraying the complex and fiery Leyla Harding.
However, reports suggest that her time on the show is coming to a dramatic end, with her character set to be killed off.
Away from the cameras, Roxy leads a fulfilling life with her partner, actor Arsher Ali, and their young daughter.
Their love story is anything but conventional—Arsher proposed before they had even begun dating!
Early Life and Background
Born on March 12, 1983, as Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi, Roxy grew up in Manchester, England.
She comes from a diverse background, with an Iranian father and an English mother.
From an early age, Roxy developed strong personal values, becoming a vegetarian at just eight years old. By the time she was 21, she had transitioned to a fully vegan lifestyle, a choice she has maintained ever since.
A Flourishing Acting Career
Roxy’s journey into acting began with the Contact Young Actors Company in 2004. Alongside performing, she worked as a drama workshop leader with Peskar Productions, honing her craft both on stage and behind the scenes.
She gained recognition for her work in theatre, performing in plays such as East is East, Christie Malry’s Own Double Entry, and Freshly Scratched. Her talent and dedication eventually led her to television, where she made a lasting impact on Emmerdale.
Roxy made her debut as Leyla Harding in 2008, arriving in the fictional village as a mysterious newcomer working at Eric Pollard’s factory. Over the years, Leyla’s storylines have captivated viewers, from the shocking revelation that she was her nephew’s biological mother to her tumultuous romance with David Metcalfe.
After initially departing the soap in 2011, Roxy reprised her role on Christmas Day in 2013, much to fans’ delight. However, in October 2024, it was announced that she would be leaving Emmerdale for good, with Leyla’s fate sealed in a dramatic exit.
An Unusual Love Story: Arsher’s Bold Proposal
While Roxy’s on-screen romances have been filled with drama, her real-life love story with Arsher Ali is just as extraordinary. The couple first met while working together on a London stage play, but their connection took an unexpected turn when Arsher made a bold move at a cast party.
According to Roxy, Arsher spotted her across the room and, without any prior discussion about their feelings, confidently declared, “You will be my wife.” His sudden proposal left her speechless.
“I didn’t know what to say because we hadn’t even kissed yet,” she recalled.
Despite the surprising approach, their connection grew stronger, and they eventually became a couple. In 2010, they celebrated their love with a blessing ceremony attended by close friends and family. However, Roxy later clarified that the event was not legally binding, and as of 2014, the couple had not yet formalized their marriage on paper.
A Private Family Life
Roxy and Arsher’s love story led to them welcoming their daughter in 2018. The couple is fiercely protective of their child, choosing to keep her out of the public eye.
“With my daughter, we didn’t feel quite ready to put her on screen,” Roxy shared in an interview.
Neither Roxy nor Arsher shares photos or details of their daughter on social media, preferring to keep their family life private. Despite their careers in the spotlight, they have made a conscious effort to maintain a sense of normalcy for their child.
What’s Next for Roxy?
With her Emmerdale exit approaching, fans are eager to see what’s next for Roxy Shahidi. Whether she returns to theatre, explores new television roles, or pursues other creative ventures, one thing is certain—she will continue to make an impact wherever she goes.
Her journey, both personally and professionally, has been anything but ordinary. From an unconventional proposal to a successful acting career spanning over a decade, Roxy’s story is one of passion, dedication, and unexpected surprises.
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