Emmerdale’s Leyla Harding was killed off earlier this week after a limo crash that also claimed the life of Suzy

In a shocking twist on Emmerdale this week, Leyla Harding, portrayed by Roxy Shahidi, met a tragic end in a limousine accident. The devastating incident also claimed the life of Leyla’s business associate, Suzy (Martelle Edinborough).

Charity Dingle, played by Emma Atkins, was behind the wheel of the limo when it crashed and plunged into an icy lake. The dramatic scenes led to several villagers being hospitalised, with two confirmed fatalities and others still fighting for their lives.

Roxy Shahidi, who has played Leyla since 2008, opened up about her surprise departure from the ITV soap, confessing to The Sun: “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.”

The actress, also known as Jacob Gallagher’s (Joe-Warren Plant) on-screen mum, revealed that she couldn’t help but cry real tears while filming her character’s death scene despite needing to appear lifeless.

After a 16-year stint in the Dales, Roxy expressed a bittersweet sentiment about leaving, stating she’s eager to embrace new challenges ahead, reports Leeds Live.

She further commented: “Of course, it’s sad to see my character die, and I have loved playing Leyla because she is so funny, camp, and a 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.

“I have had a long time to process everything and I am looking forward to my next chapter. I’ve always wanted to explore other things and now I’ve got the opportunity.”

In scenes that tugged at the nation’s heartstrings on Wednesday night, Jacob was hit with the devastating news of his mother’s death during his shift at the hospital.

The distraught junior doctor implored his colleague to save his mum, but it was tragically too late. Overcome with grief, Jacob cried out, “She wouldn’t leave me,” adding in despair, “She wouldn’t leave her son.”

As he attempted to intervene, Jacob exclaimed: “Let me help her!”

The doctor had to deliver the sombre news, saying: “Jacob, you need to stop, your mum passed away before she arrived at the hospital,” and revealed the cause: “She died from severe bloody loss. I am sorry.”

Speculation is rife among fans that Leyla’s sister, Alicia (played by Natalie Anderson), or David Metcalfe (portrayed by Matthew Wolfenden), might return in the wake of her passing.

One viewer speculated about David’s potential comeback: “I wonder if David will make an appearance to support Jacob,” while another said, “I think I saw David was possibly returning.”

A different fan suggested: “I want Alicia to come back and support him.”

Echoing the sentiment, another added: “And maybe Alicia.”

Emmerdale is available to watch on ITVX.