Emmerdale legend leaving soap after 16 years and will be killed off in explosive scenes
dailyrecord.co.ukEmmerdale's Roxy Shahidi is set to bid farewell to the soap after an impressive 16-year stint. Portraying Leyla Harding on ITV's hit series, the actress has decided it's time to "spread her wings".Joining in August 2008, she took a break from 2011 until her return for two episodes in December 2013, before coming back full-time in January 2014.
Leyla's journey has been eventful, with storylines that saw her as a pole dancer, getting shot, and battling a drug addiction.Married to fellow actor Arsher Ali, with whom she has a six year old daughter, Roxy has often expressed her passion for Emmerdale, saying: "I absolutely love being in a soap like Emmerdale, because you're able to grow your character over the years."She added, "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." An insider shared that Roxy cherishes the memories and growth she's experienced on the show but feels ready for new challenges.
They disclosed, "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.
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