Emmerdale viewers believe they know when Leyla Harding might be killed off on the ITV soap after spoilers teased a major plot for her son Jacob Gallagher next month

There’s sad scenes on the way at some point on Emmerdale, as reports in October revealed Leyla Harding would be killed off.

Emmerdale has yet to officially confirm the exit or the tragic twist, but reports suggested actress Roxy Shahidi would bow out of the show after 16 years, and that her character Leyla is being killed off in explosive scenes. Now, a new spoiler has left fans fearing the worst.

Earlier this month the show confirmed January would air a special hour-long episode focusing on Leyla’s son Jacob Gallagher. The episode next month will “highlight the stresses of working with cases of serious injury and life-threatening emergencies” in A&E.

Medical student Jacob, played by actor Joe-Warren Plant, will feature in a ‘day in the life’ style episode, that follows his first day on placement at a hospital. It’s said the character will be pushed to his limits.

Not only that, but Emmerdale Producer Sophie Roper teased other characters could be involved, suggesting there would be “challenging” situations that affect some Emmerdale villagers who share a personal link to the character.

Now, viewers are fearing that this episode will be when Leyla dies, while it’s not been confirmed how this happens. Fans are worried that the hints by Sophie and actor Joe could be a major hint that Leyla’s death will air soon.

There’s sad scenes on the way at some point on Emmerdale, as reports in October revealed Leyla Harding would be killed off (Image: ITV)

Taking to X, one viewer said: “And I fear that this may mark the end for Leyla but I could be wrong.” Another agreed: “Sadly, you may be right,” as a third said: “Leyla’s death looms. I’m broken.” One fan theorised: “With all the talk of electricity, fire and fireworks, I wonder if it’s a hint, to do with Leyla’s exit…?”

It comes after a source told The Sun a few months back: “Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining. 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.”

As for the special Jacob episode, Producer Sophie said: “When Jacob first embarked on his aspirations of having a medical degree we knew at some point we wanted to show a day in his life. In this episode we step away from our usual environs of the village and head to the hospital.

“This episode takes place entirely on our purpose built hospital set. Accident and Emergency is a place many of our characters end up in, but seldom by choice. As the episode unfolds, Jacob will encounter some challenging situations that also affect some of our Emmerdale villagers, pushing Jacob to his limits both professionally and personally.”

Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.