Longtime Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi has opened up about her unexpected exit from the beloved ITV soap,
admitting she was taken aback when she learned her character, Leyla Harding, would be killed off.
Shahidi, who has been a fixture in the village since 2008, revealed that she was “very shocked” by the decision, as she had not anticipated Leyla meeting such a tragic fate.
The dramatic departure unfolded as part of the recent Emmerdale storyline involving a devastating limousine crash,
which also claimed the life of Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) and left several other characters fighting for survival.
Fans were left heartbroken when Leyla succumbed to her injuries in emotional hospital scenes,
where her son Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) was forced to say a painful goodbye.
A Shocking Exit
In her first interview following the airing of her exit episode, Shahidi shared her thoughts with The Sun, expressing her deep surprise at the storyline. “When I first found out, I was very shocked. I had been in the show for a long time, and I wasn’t expecting this news,” she admitted. The actress explained that working on Emmerdale for so many years had made it a major part of her life, not just because of her love for the role but also due to the friendships and sense of community among the cast and crew.
Shahidi reflected on the emotional experience of filming her final scenes, revealing that she struggled to stay composed while portraying Leyla’s final moments. “At one point, I was supposed to be dead, but I had tears streaming down my face. I was a weeping corpse,” she said.
The Physical and Emotional Toll of Filming
The intense crash sequence was filmed at night, with cast and crew enduring harsh weather conditions to bring the storyline to life. Shahidi disclosed that she became ill for several days after filming, which was particularly difficult as she had barely taken any sick days during her 16-year tenure on the soap.
Despite the physical and emotional challenges of her final days on set, Shahidi praised Emmerdale producer Laura Shaw for her support, acknowledging that the entire production team worked hard to create a gripping and visually stunning episode.
Looking to the Future
While the actress admitted that leaving the soap was bittersweet, she is also excited about what comes next. “Of course, it’s sad to see my character go, and I have loved playing Leyla because she is such a funny, camp, and brilliant character. But at the same time, if I had left it another five years, I might not have felt as excited as I do now,” Shahidi explained.
Now, she is ready to explore new opportunities and embrace the next chapter of her career. “I’ve always wanted to try different things, and now I have the chance,” she added.
Fans React to Leyla’s Departure
Leyla Harding’s death has left a significant void in the Emmerdale community, with fans taking to social media to express their sadness over the character’s tragic end. Many were shocked by her exit, particularly as she has been a staple in the village for nearly two decades.
Additionally, viewers have speculated about how her death will impact other characters, especially her son Jacob, who was devastated by the loss. Some fans are even wondering if Leyla’s sister, Alicia Metcalfe (Natalie Anderson), might return to the soap to support Jacob through his grief.
A Legacy in the Dales
Throughout her years on Emmerdale, Shahidi’s character has been at the heart of numerous dramatic storylines, from her complicated relationships to her struggles with addiction and personal betrayals. Leyla was also a successful businesswoman, co-owning the wedding planning company Take A Vow with Suzy. With both owners now gone, fans are questioning what will happen to the business and whether another villager will step in to keep it running.
Although her time in the Dales has come to an end, Shahidi’s impact on Emmerdale is undeniable. Her portrayal of Leyla Harding has left a lasting impression on viewers, and her departure marks the end of an era for the ITV soap.
While it remains to be seen what Shahidi will do next, one thing is certain—fans will be eagerly watching to see where her career takes her.
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