ITV Emmerdale star leaving soap after 16 years to 'spread her wings'

Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi has quit the ITV soap after 16 years of playing Leyla Harding

Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi is set to bid farewell to the popular ITV soap after a 16-year stint. The star, who portrays Leyla Harding in the series, reportedly wants to "spread her wings".

Roxy first joined the Emmerdale cast in August 2008, left in August 2011, returned for two episodes in December 2013 and resumed the role full-time in January 2014. Over the years, her character has been involved in numerous plotlines, including working as a pole dancer, getting shot, and battling drug addiction. Roxy, who is married to actor Arsher Ali and has a six-year-old daughter with him, has previously expressed her fondness for the show.

She said: "I absolutely love being in a soap like Emmerdale, because you're able to grow your character over the years. 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," reports the Mirror.

Now, an insider has disclosed that the actress is ready for new ventures. They told The Sun: "Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining."

"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. She is 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.

Earlier this year, Roxy Shahidi took a break from her Emmerdale role to compete on Dancing On Ice. During a rehearsal break, she visited the ITV studios and shared a video on Instagram, showing herself walking towards the building with the caption: "Just popped to Emmerdale. Missing this place." This has sparked attention from fans who have noticed that her character, Leyla Harding, has been absent from the show for months.

Leyla, Jacob Gallagher's mother and Liam Cavanagh's ex-wife, was last seen on screen at the end of July, after being involved in a dramatic storyline involving her struggle with addiction and a hostage situation with drug dealer Callum. Meanwhile, Roxy has been busy with other projects, including ITVBe's Drama Queens.