Fans were heartbroken at Roxy Shahidi’s exit in one of the actress’s final scenes, which came out earlier this year, when she bid Leyla Harding her farewell.
After leaving the soap, one Emmerdale actress admits she lost her identity.. Former Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi has spoken candidly about the emotional impact of leaving the ITV soap, admitting she struggled with her sense of identity after her character was written out.
Leyla Harding, a well-known and well-liked character from the show, first appeared on the show in 2008 before returning full-time in 2013. Leyla’s filming career came to an abrupt halt earlier this year with dramatic scenes that saw several characters plunge into icy water following a limousine accident.
Leyla’s tragic accident was initially overshadowed by later events, but viewers soon learned she had died in an ambulance before going to the hospital, bringing Roxy’s 17-year run on the soap.
Nearly a year on from leaving Emmerdale, Roxy has reflected on the transition and how it affected her personally. In an emotional Instagram post, she admitted stepping away from the role was far more challenging than she anticipated.
“I was accepting that I had to leave this lot behind this year,” I said. She wrote, “Friends and family are not just coworkers, but also.”
She continued, explaining how deeply her character had become a product of her own self-concept.
“Playing Layla was more important to me than just a job; she was a big part of who I am,” I said.
Although it was difficult to lose that sense of identity, frequent walks with Mr. Cooper [her pet cockapoo] gave me time to reflect, reflect, and remain optimistic.
Roxy has been teaching yoga online and has changed her focus from the soap to wellness. She claimed that the therapy assisted her in overcoming the emotional strain caused by the change.
Moving my body and moving through grief, loss, and uncertainty helped me move through them, she continued.
She continued, “Now YogaRox has grown into a new home, a new family, and a new sense of self,” adding that her yoga platform has helped her start a new chapter in her life.
“I know where I’m going, but I don’t know how I’ll get there.” Here’s to 2026, thanks to everyone who has supported me through a year of growth, challenge, and transformation.
Her post was quickly flooded with supportive messages, including from former Emmerdale co-stars. Laura Norton, who plays Kerry Wyatt, commented: “You’re amazing. You are very missed. Sky is the limit.”
Love messages were also exchanged by Ross Adams, Isobel Hodgins, and Claire Sweeney, other soap stars.
One fan wrote, “You are still so missed by us Emmerdale fans,” echoing the sentiment. You are amazing, but you are smashing it with your new projects right now! Xx”
Another said, “I miss seeing you shine on my screen every night, but being able to see you absolutely smashing the yoga,” and I sincerely hope the new year brings you nothing but happiness and big accomplishments.
Source: Mirror
Leave a Reply