Exclusive
SHOCK EXIT
Emmerdale legend is leaving soap after 16 years and will be killed off in explosive scenes
The surprise news comes hot on the heels of the star sharing her love for the show
EMMERDALE actress Roxy Shahidi is leaving the ITV soap after 16 years on the soap as her character Leyla Harding is being KILLED OFF.
The shock revelation comes after Roxy, 41, starred on Dancing on Ice earlier this year along with ITV reality series Drama Queens.
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A source close to the telly star said: "Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining when she was 17.
"The cast have become like family to her and she has grown so much as an actress, but now feels like the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new.
"She is really excited about her meaty exit storyline, which will see her character Leyla die on screen. She'd rather go out in a blaze of glory and be remembered."
It comes after Roxy, who lives in Nottingham with her husband of 14 years, actor Arsher Ali, 40, and their six year old daughter, recently spoke out about her love of the show.
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She said: "I absolutely love being in a soap like Emmerdale, because you’re able to grow your character over the years. It’s a process you don’t really get on many other dramas. And I’m so lucky to play Leyla, because she’s such a fun character."
Over the years Roxy's character Leyla has had some colourful storylines including becoming a pole dancer, being shot and developing a drug habit.
But in real life Roxy is a trained yoga instructor and focuses on wellbeing.
An Emmerdale spokeswoman denied to comment.
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