Longtime Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi, known for portraying Leyla Harding, 

has opened up about her unexpected departure from the ITV1 soap following the dramatic limousine crash that aired on Valentine’s Day. 

The 41-year-old actress, who has been a staple on the show since 2008, admitted that the news of her character’s tragic fate took her by surprise.

A Shocking Goodbye

Speaking to The Sun, Shahidi revealed that she was not expecting her character to meet such a devastating end. 

Having been part of Emmerdale for over 16 years, she had developed a deep connection to both the show and the people she worked with.

“When I first found out, I was very shocked. I had been in the show for a long time and I wasn’t expecting this news,” she shared. “Emmerdale becomes a fabric of your existence to a huge degree. It’s not just about the joy of the work, it’s the joy of the people and community.”

Throughout her time on the soap, Shahidi has been at the center of numerous gripping storylines, making her character one of the most beloved in the village. The Valentine’s Day limousine crash, which claimed the lives of multiple characters, marked a heartbreaking end for Leyla, a character known for her resilience and sharp wit.

Emotional Final Scenes

Filming her last scenes on the show was an emotional experience for Shahidi. She recalled struggling to hold back tears, even in moments when her character was supposed to appear lifeless.

“But at one point, I was supposed to be dead, and I had tears streaming down my eyes. I was a weeping corpse,” she admitted.

The demanding nature of filming the crash sequence, which took place overnight, also took a toll on her health. Shahidi revealed that she fell ill for several days after shooting the intense scenes, something that was unusual for her given her long tenure on the soap.

“We filmed the crash at night, and unfortunately, I was ill for four days,” she recalled. “I’d only ever had one day off in the 16 years I had been there, and I was worried this would cause a big issue. But our producer, Laura Shaw, was amazing.”

Despite the physically and emotionally draining nature of her departure, Shahidi expressed gratitude for the support she received from the production team and her fellow cast members.

Looking Ahead to New Opportunities

While she is saddened by the end of her time on Emmerdale, Shahidi is also excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Now, with more freedom to explore different roles and projects, she is eager to embark on a new chapter in her acting career.

“Of course, it’s sad to see my character die, and I have loved playing Leyla because she is so funny, camp, and a brilliant character,” she said. “But at the same time, if I had left it another five years, I might not have felt as excited as I do now.”

Shahidi, who is married to actor Arsher Ali and shares a six-year-old daughter with him, is looking forward to the future and the chance to take on new challenges.

“I have had a long time to process everything, and I am looking forward to my next chapter,” she added. “I’ve always wanted to explore other things, and now I’ve got the opportunity.”

Her departure marks the end of an era for Emmerdale fans, but with her talent and experience, it is clear that Shahidi has many exciting ventures ahead.

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