WARNING: SPOILERS Emmerdale legend Leyla Harding was confirmed dead during Wednesday’s emotional episode following the devastating limo crash but what is next for actress Roxy Shahidi?
Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi, who has graced our screens as the beloved Leyla Harding for almost 17 years, has had her future “confirmed” following her character’s tragic demise.
The heart-wrenching departure unfolded in Wednesday’s (February 19) episode, now available on ITVX. The limo disaster left several villagers in peril.
Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) met a fatal end due to a head injury inside the vehicle, Amy Barton (Natalie Ann Jamieson) took a chilling plunge through the ice and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) was found unconscious and in dire straits.
Meanwhile, Noah Dingle (Jack Downham) was discovered collapsed away from the lake, his condition shrouded in mystery. In other parts of the village, Leyla suffered severe injuries, bleeding profusely as Kerry Wyatt (Laura Norton) desperately tried to save her.
In devastating scenes, Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) frantically searched the hospital for his mother, only to be confronted with the grim reality and face an excruciating farewell to Leyla, who has been a staple in Emmerdale for nearly two decades. But what does the future hold for Roxy Shahidi?
Brand and culture expert Rochelle White from Rochelle White Agency weighed in, saying: “I think that Roxy Shahidi will take a break as she has been on our screens for a while.”, reports Leeds Live.
A source close to the star mused: “I could see her doing shows like I’m a Celeb, Strictly Come Dancing, Celebrity Bake Off or even SAS. I think it would make sense as the next steps and also part of the break from acting.”
They added that it’s a classic move for actors exiting shows, explaining, “When actors leave shows, they tend to do something like this, so that people see a different side to them and we get to see a bit more personality.”
Meanwhile, fans are glued to their screens as the drama in the village intensifies – but with the current turmoil, one has to wonder who will emerge unscathed and who is still at risk.