Emmerdale actor Roxy Shahidi, who played the character of Leyla Harding, opened up about her exit. She thanked her fellow stars who showed their support in the actor’s comment section. Roxy added that Leyla was a huge part of her identity. Keep scrolling to know more!
Roxy Shahidi Shares A Heartfelt Note To Fans After Her Soap Exit!
Roxy Shahidi played the character of Leyla Harding. She entered the village in 2008. She played her character until 2011. But the actor was back on the soap in 2013. In 2018, Roxy took maternity leave from the show. Furthermore, in 2024, the soap announced that she would be leaving, and in 2025, her exit took place.
Though Leyla Harding was a part of many dramatic storylines, her exit plot was very shocking. The soap watchers know that she was a part of the dramatic limo crash. The tragic crash in February left the fans fearing for their favourite characters. Seventeen villagers were a part of the crash incident. Leyla died in the limo crash.
Elsewhere, Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla, opened up about her exit on social media. She shared an Instagram post and revealed what it was like to say goodbye to her character. She wrote in the caption that this time last year, she was coming to terms with having to leave this lot behind. Her fellow stars are like her family.
Roxy’s Fellow Stars Show Their Support!
The former soap star added that playing Leyla wasn’t just a job. She was a huge part of her identity. Some days she spent more time being her than being herself. The star added that losing that sense of identity was hard. Meanwhile, now Roxy is a yoga teacher. She said that yoga once began as an anchor on the hardest days. It helped her body move through grief, loss and uncertainty. She added that her company, YogaRox, has grown into a new home, a new family and a new sense of self.
She concluded that she doesn’t know exactly how she will get there, but she knows that she is going. At last, Roxy thanked everyone for their support. Elsewhere, her followers took to the comments to show their love. Laura Norton, who plays the character of Kerry Wyatt, wrote that she is amazing.
They miss her. Isabel Hodgins, who plays Victoria in the soap, also shared her love. Furthermore, Claire Sweeney also sent her love heart emojis. Meanwhile, did you like Leyla Harding? Share your thoughts in the comments. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Emmerdale updates!