Roxy Shahidi bid farewell to her character Leyla Harding as she left Emmerdale for good

Emmerdale stars took to social media on Wednesday (February 19) night as they were “heartbroken” over Roxy Shahidi ditching the Dales for good.

While rumours bubbled up last year that Roxy would be leaving the show, many fans of the ITV soap were hopeful that the door would be left wide open for her return, particularly with her son Jacob in the village.

Unfortunately, Roxy’s character Leyla Harding was the second confirmed death in the horrific limo crash that took place on Valentine’s Day as she was pronounced dead before she made it to the hospital.

The 41-year-old actress first joined Emmerdale in 2008 part-time before taking on the role permanently in 2014, and has since become a fan favourite in the village.

On Tuesday (February 18), the aftermath of the accident was already intense with one death, an unidentified body in the lake and one villager being plunged into the icy water. Before the credits rolled, one character was declared dead while the medics tried to rush the injured parties to the hospital.

As Wednesday’s episode rolled around, it was confirmed that Leyla was the one who reached a tragic and untimely end. Jacob panicked after he learnt that his mum was a passenger of the limo that crashed while he was on shift in hospital. He searched up and down every ward and corridor to find her.

Jacob sobbed as he found his mum had died in the fallout of the crash(Image: ITV)

In a heartbreaking moment, he discovered her lifeless body as a colleague informed him she was dead upon arrival. It was revealed that Leyla died from “severe blood loss” after she was impaled with a piece of ice during the crash. Jacob broke down in tears as he said his final goodbye.

Leyla originally hid her injury from the rest of the group in a selfless act so they could all get out of the limo and to safety. However, in her final moments she confided in Kerry as they were alone in the vehicle and told her she couldn’t move.

Kerry managed to drag her out of the car and across the ice, but her injury was far too traumatic for her to survive. She became the second confirmed death from the tragedy, following Suzy Merton who died on impact due to a fatal head injury. Suzy’s body entered the water as the limo submerged into the depths of the frozen lake.

Lucy paid tribute to her co-worker and friend after 17 years in the Dales(Image: Lucy Pargeter on Instagram)

Roxy’s Emmerdale co-stars were quick to praise the actress for her 17 years in the Dales. Lucy Pargeter who plays Chas Dingle wrote on her Instagram story: “I am going to miss this woman, not only as a multitalented member of my family, but as a starter of unstoppable laughter and my comfort that we all known is so precious and needed in work”.

She added: “Beautifully acted and this woman is the most incredible strong friend and hilarious human. gutted x” while reposting Emmerdale’s clip of Leyla on her death bed with Jacob over her.

Amy’s character Tracy was also involved in the crash but managed to get out relatively unscathed(Image: Amy Walsh on Instagram)

Amy Walsh (Tracy) also posted on her story and shared: “My beautiful angel, my bestie and my yogi queen. I love you, I miss you and I’m so grateful for you. ‘Tis not goodbye, never will be.”

She continued: “Leyla Harding the biggest loss for all of us and the rest of the world’s gain. P.S How come you still look that beautiful when you’re dying??”

Emmerdale airs on weekdays at 7:30pm on ITV1 and is available to stream on ITVX.