
Roxy Shahidi Set to Depart Emmerdale, Embracing New Ventures and Lifestyle Paths
0
Roxy Shahidi, best known for her long-standing role as Leyla Harding on ITV’s Emmerdale, is preparing to bid farewell to the beloved soap. The actress first captivated audiences with her portrayal of Leyla in 2008, and after a brief hiatus, returned to the show in 2013. Now 41, Roxy has become an integral part of the fictional village, winning hearts over the years with her warm performance and relatable character.
As Roxy gears up for her appearance on the celebrity edition of Who Wants to be a Millionaire? on Sunday, 2 February, news has emerged that her character Leyla will be departing from Emmerdale permanently. Speculation is rife that her exit might be dramatic, adding another memorable moment to the long history of the show, reports Leeds Live.
A source close to Roxy shared with 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.”
Beyond her iconic role on Emmerdale, Roxy’s talents have shone through in various other television projects. She has impressed audiences on ITV’s Dancing on Ice and participated in the reality series Drama Queens, which explores the lives of soap actresses. Her versatility and willingness to take on new challenges have made her a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Outside of her television career, Roxy is also passionate about wellness and fitness. A dedicated yoga instructor, she runs her own YouTube channel where she shares yoga flows, offering her subscribers practical routines to practice at home. This passion for health is closely linked to her long-term commitment to a vegan lifestyle. Having transitioned from vegetarianism to veganism at the age of 21, Roxy often discusses her journey and the benefits it has brought to her life. She expressed her motivations in an article for Viva! Vegan Charity, stating:
“I’ve been vegan for 22 years, initially it was about me; my health, my skin, my feeling of wellbeing. But now it’s about so much more, I don’t want my food to have fought for its life… I don’t want any animals to suffer for my pleasure.”
In her personal life, Roxy enjoys a blissful marriage with fellow actor Arsher Ali. The couple, who tied the knot in 2010, expanded their family with the birth of their daughter in 2018. Both Roxy and Arsher are known for keeping their private lives away from the media glare, ensuring that their relationship and family remain a personal sanctuary amid public attention.
As Roxy prepares to leave Emmerdale and explore fresh opportunities, her fans eagerly anticipate her next chapter, confident that her dynamic spirit and multifaceted talents will continue to shine.