October 5th 2024.
After an incredible 16 years on the popular ITV soap Emmerdale, actress Roxy Shahidi has announced that she will be saying farewell to the show. Her character Leyla Harding, who has been a fan favorite since her arrival in 2008, will be meeting a dramatic end in a storyline that promises to be explosive. As the ex-wife of Liam Cavanagh and mother to Jacob Gallagher, Leyla has been at the center of many intense and emotional storylines throughout her time on the show.
The 41-year-old actress, who has been a staple on Emmerdale since her debut, has had an eventful year in her career. She participated in Dancing on Ice and ITV's reality series Drama Queens, showcasing her talents beyond acting. A source close to Roxy shared her excitement for this new chapter in her life, saying, "Roxy has loved every moment of her time on the soap. She has grown so much as an actress and has made many happy memories with her castmates, who have become like family to her. But now, she feels it's the perfect time to spread her wings and explore new opportunities."
Although the details of Leyla's death are being kept under wraps, it's clear that it will be a major event in Emmerdale. Roxy is thrilled to have such a powerful exit, with the source revealing, "She's 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."
Since joining the show in 2008, Roxy has become a fan favorite with her portrayal of the charismatic wedding planner Leyla. Her character has been at the center of many dramatic plotlines over the years, from tumultuous romances and family conflicts to overcoming personal struggles like addiction. In interviews, Roxy has often spoken fondly about her time on the show, expressing her deep love for Emmerdale and the opportunity to play such a dynamic character for so long.
For fans, saying goodbye to Leyla Harding will be bittersweet as she has been a fixture in the Emmerdale village for over a decade. But it's clear that Roxy is ready to expand beyond Emmerdale and explore new horizons. The source added, "She's excited to try something new. This is just the beginning of a whole new chapter for her."
The news of Roxy's departure comes after fans noticed that Leyla's character had been quieter this year. Following the breakdown of her marriage to Liam, Leyla was at the center of a storyline that revealed her secret addiction to drugs. However, as the drama settled down, viewers noticed that they weren't seeing much of Leyla on screen. This sets the stage for her imminent exit from the show.
But for those who have grown to love Leyla Harding, this news may be hard to swallow. She has been a beloved character in Emmerdale for so long, and her absence will surely be felt. But as Roxy embarks on this new journey, it's clear that she is excited for what the future holds. As always, Emmerdale will continue to bring us gripping and emotional storylines, and we can't wait to see what's in store next.
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