Emmerdale fans ‘work out’ Leyla’s killer’s identity as exit ‘confirmed’ after 16 years
Emerdale star Roxy Shahidi is reportedly leaving the ITV soap after 16 years playing Leyla Harding, with fans convinced they have worked out how her character will exit
Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi is said to be bowing out from her role as Leyla Harding after an epic 16-year stint.
The soap star, who first graced the Dales back in 2008 as Jacob Gallagher’s (played by Joe-Warren Plant) mum and Liam Cavanagh’s (Jonny McPherson) former flame, is rumoured to be exiting in a dramatic fashion that’s set to rock fans to their core.
It has been reported that Leyla’s jjaw-dropping exit storyline will to get viewers talking. This bombshell follows a year of career highs for Roxy, including a spin on Dancing on Ice and a spot on ITV’s Drama Queens.
A source told The Sun: “Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining when she was just 17.
“The cast have become like family to her, and she has grown so much as an actress. But now, she feels it’s the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new.”
While Emmerdale chiefs are keeping shtum about the specifics of Leyla’s potential swan song, whispers suggest she might fall prey to Ella Forster (Paula Lane), the current squeeze of Leyla’s ex-hubby Dr Liam Cavanagh.
Fans have been chattering away online, with one sleuthing viewer tweeting: “Something to do with Ella maybe? ” Another chimed in with: “She hasn’t had a story line in ages wondering if Ella is going to kill her she seems the jealous type.”, reports Leeds Live.
One viewer speculated: “Wonder if Ella will kill her as she’ll see her as a threat if Leyla gets cosy to Liam again and Ella will get jealous and want her out of the way.”
It’s well known among Emmerdale fans that Ella committed murder at the tender age of 11, but could history repeat itself?
Roxy has been at the centre of some major plotlines in the popular ITV soap, including a harrowing stalker and kidnapping storyline last year. Outside of her acting career, Roxy is also a certified yoga instructor, founder of Yoga Lunch Club, and regularly posts yoga videos on her YouTube channel.
Emmerdale airs weeknights on ITV1 and ITVX at 7.30pm