Emmerdale exclusive: Roxy Shahidi on shocking secrets in Leyla’s funeral episode
There are big revelations to come.
Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Emmerdale airs poignant scenes on Thursday evening (March 6) as Leyla Harding returns to our screens for a final time.
The fan favourite takes a central role in her own funeral episode, as a unique twist sees Leyla give voice-overs throughout the sombre day for the villagers.
Viewers will also see Leyla back for some special flashback scenes, which are interspersed among the drama. These delve into three juicy secrets that Leyla discovered about her friends and neighbours, shortly before she d.i.e.d in the limo crash.
Roxy Shahidi, who plays Leyla, recently caught up with Digital Spy for an exclusive chat about the big episode.
How did this special episode come about?
“It was a brilliant idea from the writers. I’m very grateful for it, because it marks Leyla’s d.e.a.t.h in a really poignant way, and she definitely goes out with a bang. I mean, how many people get to come back from the d.e.a.d? (Laughs.) I loved that!”
How would you describe the format of the episode?
“It’s a really fun twist, where Leyla gives voice-overs throughout the funeral episode and she reveals three secrets to the audience, which she discovered before she d.i.e.d.
“That’s great because it lets the viewers be privy to something that nobody else knows. It’s a really unique way to end Leyla’s time on the show, because they’ve never done it before.”
Can you tease the three secrets for us?
“I can say there’s a really great scene with Manpreet, where Leyla discovers her secret and gives quite a fun response. I enjoyed that because it was so colourful.
“The other two secrets that Leyla discovers are a lot more serious. So it was nice to still have that fun side of Leyla in the last ever episode, in her scene with Manpreet.
“I think the viewers will be surprised by the secrets. It’s a nice way for Leyla to go out, because I guess she lives on.”
As you knew this was your last time playing Leyla, was it emotional to do the voice-overs?
“I was absolutely fine on the day because I was in the room with Mickey Jones, who’s such an amazing director for Emmerdale. He’s such good fun – I love him to bits.
“I did watch a few little clips from the episode in order to help my timing for the voice-overs, so I saw Joe-Warren Plant [who plays Jacob] crying at the funeral. Obviously, every time I see Joe cry, I cry as well, so there was that!”
We’ve seen that Leyla carefully planned her own funeral! How did you feel about that?
“I loved it! It’s a little narcissistic and controlling. (Laughs.) Leyla loved to be the centre of attention, and she never really got a happy ending. Obviously, she got married but it didn’t last for very long, so this was her big day.
“It’s incredibly camp and fun, but also tragic. I think that really sums up Leyla. There was always a little bit of tragedy with her – whether it was in her relationship with her son Jacob, whether it was in her relationship with men, or whether it was her betrayal of friends. That sums her up really well.”
How have Emmerdale fans reacted since Leyla’s d.e.a.t.h aired?
“So many people have stopped me, and everyone’s been so lovely. I have had a few people cry on me!
“It’s bittersweet. On the one hand, you really want to feel like a character that you’ve played and loved for so long is leaving an impact on people.
“But at the same time, it reminds you of how sad you are to also say goodbye to that character.”
Had you been looking to leave Emmerdale before the limo crash story came up? Or was it a shock that Leyla would be going?
“In the moment, it was a shock. But I think all actors like some range in their lives, so that is something that I’ve considered over the years.
“Again, to use that term, it was bittersweet. Getting the push was a mix of emotions. It was a sense of relief, because you think: ‘Now I’ve got to get out there and do some new things’.
“But it was also really sad because you love the character, you love the job, you love your friends. It feels like a family on the show.”
You’re great friends with Matthew Wolfenden, who played David. Were you sad that he didn’t come back for Leyla’s funeral?
“Oh, I mean, I didn’t care because I wasn’t there, was I? (Laughs.) But we have got season two of our podcast coming out at the end of this month. I still see Matthew a lot, and we’ve got some projects lined up.”
Are you keeping in touch with some of the other cast too?
“I text Amy Walsh and Laura Norton this morning. I said: ‘It’s my birthday soon, you’d better take me out’. But even when I was texting them, I realised: ‘Oh gosh, I can’t rely on work anymore, as a reason for us to cross paths’.
“You’ve got to really invest in these friendships now because you’re not there anymore. So it hit me in a new way when I texted them this morning.”
What do you hope the future holds for you?
“Range. I’ve started to do more and more yoga. I want to teach more, so I’ve set up a little business called Yoga Rox. I’m going to do corporate yoga with online subscriptions and I want to travel with the yoga too.
“I’m really excited about doing more podcasts with Matthew Wolfenden and maybe doing some presenting. I also write, so I want to do more writing. I want to keep acting, too.
“I just would like to do lots of different things, now that I’ve got the freedom to try my hand at new projects and just see what happens. I just want to go on a bit of an adventure and allow things to be unpredictable.”
Would you do another soap?
“Coronation Street would be good. I also wouldn’t mind doing a continuing drama – I’d love to maybe do Waterloo Road.”
Are you proud of Joe-Warren after his recent emotional performances as Jacob?
“He’s been absolutely amazing. I can’t tell you how much love I’ve got for Joe. I love him to bits.
“I cried more with Joe than with anyone. Before I filmed my final scenes, I’d have days where I was feeling absolutely fine. I didn’t even care; I was just excited to be leaving. Then I’d see Joe, and we’d both burst into tears.
“Joe is such an incredibly beautiful person. He’s so kind, generous and thoughtful. He’s an incredible actor and he really doesn’t know how good he is.
“If anything, I think Leyla’s d.e.a.t.h has just given him an opportunity to shine in a new way. Everyone’s raving about him and I hope he gets nominated for some awards because he really deserves it. I couldn’t be prouder of him, and seeing him grow up has been such a privilege.”
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
