FORMER Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi has opened up about leaving the soap – admitting she struggled with her ‘sense of identity’ as a result.
Roxy played fan favourite Leyla Harding, joining the soap from 2008 to 2011, before rejoining full time from 2013.
Leyla was killed off in dramatic scenes that aired this FebruaryCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Roxy Shahidi has now thrown herself into building a yoga empireCredit: Getty
She was dramatically killed off in February this year, when Leyla was that saw her and a group of regular characters plunge into ice cold water.
In emotional scenes, it was revealed that Leyla didn’t make it to hospital in time, dying in the ambulance.
Since then, Roxy has been taking time to reflect on her life and career path, taking up teaching yoga online.
In a brutally honest post on Instagram nearly a year on from her decision to leave the ITV soap, Roxy admits that she struggled with her choice and what the future held
“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.
“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.”
“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.”
Her former Emmerdale co-stars were among the followers sending her love and well-wishes for the future, with Laura Norton – who plays Kerry on the soap, telling her: “You’re amazing. You are very missed. Sky is the limit 😍”
Claire Sweeney, Isobel Hodgins and Ross Adams also each sent her a string of love hearts.
“You are still so missed by us emmerdale fans ❤️❤️ But you are smashing it now with your new projects 🙌 you are amazing!! Xx” wrote a fan.
Another added: “I miss seeing you shine on my screen every night but being able to see you absolutely smashing the yoga is everything ❤️ hears to an amazing 2026 and i hope the new year brings you nothing but happiness and big achievements.”
The character left the show after dying in a devastating limo crashCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
Roxy played Leyla for 17 years before bowing outCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
The star has thanked fans for their support as she looks forward to the futureCredit: Splash
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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