Emmerdale legend leaving after 16yrs and will die on screen

Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi has played the role of Leyla Harding for 16 years, but now it has been reported she is set to leave the ITV soap and her character will be killed off

Emmerdale’s beloved Roxy Shahidi, known for her role as Leyla Harding, is set to bid farewell to the iconic ITV soap after an impressive 16-year stint. The talented actress first graced our screens in August 2008 and, despite a brief departure between 2011 and 2013, she made a triumphant return to the Yorkshire set series, becoming a permanent fixture from January 2014. Throughout her time in the Dales, Roxy’s character Leyla has been at the centre of some gripping plots, including her days as a pole dancer, a dramatic shooting, and a descent into drug addiction.

Off-screen, Roxy, who is happily married to fellow actor Arsher Ali and mum to their six year old daughter, has often expressed her passion for the show. She once shared, “I absolutely love being in a soap like Emmerdale, because you’re able to grow your character over the years. It’s a process you don’t really get on many other dramas. And I’m so lucky to play Leyla, because she’s such a fun character.”

**Roxy has played Leyla on Emmerdale for 16 years** (Image: No credit)

**Roxy’s character may be leaving Emmerdale** (Image: No credit)

Emmerdale legend leaving after 16yrs and will die on screen
But now, insiders have spilled that Roxy is ready to explore new horizons. A source confided, “Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining,” reports the Mirror. “The cast have become like family to her and she has grown so much as an actress, but now feels like the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new. She is really excited about her meaty exit storyline, which will see her character Leyla die on screen. She’d rather go out in a blaze of glory and be remembered.”

ITV declined to comment when contacted by OK!

Earlier this year, Roxy dazzled on the icy stage of Dancing On Ice, showing off her moves as a contestant. Snatching a moment during rehearsals, the star took a mini detour to the iconic ITV studios and couldn’t resist keeping her Instagram fans in the loop. With a quick clip, she showcased her little adventure by filming her walk before revealing the Emmerdale studio in all its glory, paired with a cheeky caption: “Just popped to Emmerdale. Missing this place.”

**Roxy also appeared on the ITV reality series Drama Queens** (Image: ITV)

There’s been a bit of chatter among dedicated viewers because Roxy’s character seems to have vanished for quite a spell. Leyla has a big presence in the Dales; she’s mum to young Jacob Gallagher and former other half to Liam Cavanagh. After her marriage fizzled out, fans were gripped by her powerful storyline, plunging into an addiction nightmare. Last year, Leyla was all over trying to derail dealer Callum’s dodgy dealings, only to find herself in a terrifying hostage crisis.

But lately, the sharp-eyed audience has clocked that Leyla hasn’t graced their screens since late July. Away from the village drama, the talented actress has had her hands full with a string of projects including the juicy ITVBe series Drama Queens.