Emmerdale legend ‘lost sense of identity’ amid show exit after 16 years

Former Emmerdale favourite Roxy Shahidi has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of leaving the ITV soap after nearly two decades, admitting she struggled deeply with her sense of identity following her dramatic exit.

The actress, who portrayed much-loved Leyla Harding, became a familiar face to viewers after first joining the Yorkshire-based soap in 2008. Although she initially departed in 2011, Roxy returned two years later and went on to remain at the heart of the show until her character’s shocking death earlier this year.

Leyla met a tragic end in February during one of Emmerdale’s most talked-about storylines in recent years. The soap staged a high-stakes limo crash that saw several key characters plunge into freezing water in a terrifying accident. While some survived the ordeal, Leyla was not so fortunate.

In harrowing scenes, viewers watched as Leyla was rushed to hospital, only for it to be revealed that she had died in the ambulance before receiving treatment. The emotional episode marked the end of a 16-year journey for Roxy, whose character had been central to countless dramatic plots over the years.

Leyla Harding’s time on the show was defined by intense storylines, including her struggles with addiction, turbulent relationships, and her on-and-off romance with David Metcalfe. She also faced personal trauma, career highs and lows, and became known for her resilience, sharp wit and vulnerability, all qualities that made her a fan favourite.

Now, months after her on-screen death, Roxy has opened up about life after Emmerdale in a deeply personal Instagram post, reflecting on how difficult it was to step away from a role that had shaped so much of her adult life.

In the honest message, the actress revealed that leaving the soap meant far more than saying goodbye to a job; it meant losing a huge part of who she felt she was.

‘This time last year, I was coming to terms with having to leave this lot behind. Not just colleagues, but friends and family,’ she wrote.

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Roxy explained how playing Leyla for so long blurred the lines between character and self, something she only fully realised once her time on the show came to an end.

‘Playing Layla wasn’t just a job; she was a huge part of my identity, and some days I spent more time being her than being myself.

‘Losing that sense of identity was hard, but long walks with Mr Cooper [her pet cockapoo] gave me space to breathe, reflect and stay hopeful.’

Since stepping away from acting full-time, Roxy has embraced a new career path, retraining as a yoga teacher and launching her own online platform, YogaRox. She credited the practice with helping her navigate the emotional aftermath of her exit and rediscover a sense of purpose.

‘Yoga once again became my anchor on the hardest days, moving my body helped me move through grief, loss and uncertainty,’ she continued.

‘Now YogaRox has grown into a new home, a new family, and a new sense of self.

‘I don’t know exactly how I’ll get there, but I know where I’m going. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me through a year of challenge, growth, and transformation; here’s to 2026.’

Claire Sweeney, Isobel Hodgins and Ross Adams commented on the post, sending heart emojis and words of encouragement alongside fans expressing their love for Roxy and her portrayal of Leyla.

While Leyla Harding’s journey in Emmerdale may have come to a heartbreaking end, it’s clear Roxy Shahidi is entering a new phase of her life, one defined by growth, healing and rediscovery beyond the Dales.

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