Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi opened up about her career future, following her departure as the soap’s Leyla Harding after 17 years

After a remarkable 17-year run as Leyla Harding on Emmerdale, Roxy Shahidi is eyeing up a possible role on Coronation Street for her next acting venture.

The 42-year-old actress feels a switch to the iconic soap would suit her as she’s from Manchester, where it’s filmed.

Speaking to Inside Soap magazine about where she could be seen next, Roxy shared: “Maybe Coronation Street or maybe Waterloo Road as that’s a good drama and a bit different. Also, I’m from Manchester!”.

Currently, the ITV star is pouring her energy into her yoga enterprise, Yoga Rox, with ambitions to expand its reach.

Additionally, she plans to record more podcasts with her former Emmerdale co-star Matthew Wolfenden.

On her new direction, Roxy shared: “I’ve set up a yoga business, Yoga Rox, and I want to travel with that and teach.

“I just would like to do lots of different things now I can.”

Since her departure from the Dales, fans have frequently approached Roxy to express their dismay at losing Leyla after so long on the soap.

Her 17-year stint came to a dramatic end in a limousine crash which saw the vehicle steer off the road, into an icy lake last month.

Roxy reflected on these fan interactions, acknowledging the mixed feelings they evoke.

She added: “It’s bittersweet. On the one hand, you want to feel like the character you’ve played for so long is leaving that impact.

“But at the same time, it reminds you how sad you are to say goodbye.”

The actress went on to say that Leyla’s abrupt exit stirred a whirlwind of emotions.

She added: “It is something that I’ve considered over the years. Getting the push was a mix of a sense of relief because you think, ‘Now I’ve got to get out there’.

“But, of course, it’s also sad because you love the character, the job, your friends. It’s both those things.”