As another year draws to a close, reflection becomes inevitable — but for former Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi, this season of looking back has been especially emotional.

The actress, who spent an extraordinary 17 years portraying the much-loved and complex Leyla Harding, has been met with an overwhelming wave of love and support

after sharing a deeply personal message about loss, identity, and transformation following her dramatic departure from the ITV soap.

Roxy’s exit from Emmerdale earlier this year came as part of the devastating limo crash storyline, a plot that left fans stunned and heartbroken. Leyla Harding’s tragic end marked not just the conclusion of a character arc, but the closing of a significant chapter in British soap history — and in Roxy’s own life. Now, months on, the actress has spoken candidly about what it truly meant to let go of a role that had defined nearly two decades of her career.

“This Year Changed Me”: A Raw and Honest Reflection

Taking to social media as the New Year approached, the 42-year-old actress shared a moving montage of photographs — moments from her time on Emmerdale, glimpses of life beyond the village, and snapshots of the new path she has begun to carve for herself. Accompanying the images was a message that resonated deeply with fans:

“This year changed me. Loss, letting go, growth, and unexpected beginnings.”

It was a simple sentence, but one loaded with meaning. For Roxy, 2025 has been a year defined by emotional upheaval and reinvention. After nearly two decades of stepping into Leyla Harding’s shoes, walking away was not just about leaving a job — it was about relinquishing a part of herself.

She went on to thank those who supported her during this transitional period, particularly the people who joined her growing yoga community:

“Thank you to everyone who’s walked this path with me — especially all the beautiful people who took a chance and joined me at YogaRox.uk. Here’s to continuing forward, together.”

Saying Goodbye to More Than a Role

In a longer, more reflective caption, Roxy laid bare the emotional reality of leaving Emmerdale. She revealed that this time last year, she was still coming to terms with the knowledge that she would soon have to say goodbye — not just to colleagues, but to people she considered family.

“This time last year, I was coming to terms with having to leave this lot behind — not just as colleagues, but friends and family.”

For someone who joined the show in 2008, Leyla Harding wasn’t simply a character — she was an extension of Roxy herself. Over the years, Leyla’s struggles with addiction, grief, love, and resilience mirrored real-life challenges, and Roxy inhabited those stories with authenticity and depth.

“Playing Leyla wasn’t just a job; she was a huge part of my identity. Some days I spent more time being her than being myself.”

That loss of identity, Roxy admitted, was one of the hardest things to navigate once filming ended. The sudden absence of routine, purpose, and character left a void that couldn’t easily be filled.

Healing Through Movement and Mindfulness

During her most difficult moments, Roxy found solace in the simple, grounding acts of walking and breathing. Long walks with her dog, Mr Cooper, became a form of meditation — a way to process grief and regain clarity.

But it was yoga that ultimately became her lifeline once again.

“Yoga once again became my anchor on the hardest days. Moving my body helped me move through grief, loss, and uncertainty.”

What began as a personal coping mechanism soon evolved into something much larger. Roxy’s passion project, YogaRox, has grown into a thriving community — one she now describes as a new home, a new family, and a renewed sense of self.

In another post, she shared screenshots of glowing reviews from her yoga clients, adding a quietly confident message:

“I don’t know exactly how I’ll get there, but I know where I’m going.”

It was a powerful statement of intent — one that signaled acceptance of the unknown and faith in the journey ahead.

Fans Rally Behind a Soap Icon

Unsurprisingly, Roxy’s honest reflections struck a chord. Her 122,000 followers quickly flooded the comments section with messages of encouragement, admiration, and gratitude — proof of just how deeply Leyla Harding, and the actress behind her, are missed.

One fan wrote:

“We miss you on screen. But as one door closes…”
accompanied by heart emojis and messages of hope.

Another added:

“I absolutely adore this post and I’m so, so proud of you.”

Others reassured her that while her absence from Emmerdale is still felt, her future looks bright:

“You are still so missed by us Emmerdale fans. But you are smashing it now with your new projects — you are amazing!”

Many fans reflected on Leyla’s legacy, praising Roxy’s portrayal for giving the character depth, strength, and vulnerability:

“Loved Leyla — you gave her substance and her character was fab. Really miss her from Emmerdale, but love following you and your journey. It’s very real — thank you for sharing.”

One particularly emotional comment revealed just how hard her final episodes were for viewers:

“I still haven’t watched your last week of episodes as I know I will cry.”

A Legacy That Lives On

Leyla Harding may be gone from the Dales, but her impact — and Roxy Shahidi’s — remains undeniable. Over 17 years, the character evolved from a sharp-tongued businesswoman into one of the show’s most layered and emotionally rich figures. Roxy’s performances tackled addiction, trauma, love, and redemption with rare honesty, earning her a place in Emmerdale history.

Yet what makes this moment so powerful is not just the legacy she leaves behind, but the courage with which she is stepping into the unknown.

“Here’s to 2026,” Roxy wrote, thanking those who supported her through a year of “challenge, growth, and transformation.”

Looking Ahead: A New Chapter Begins

As one chapter closes, another opens. While fans may still be mourning Leyla’s tragic end, many are excited to see where Roxy’s journey leads next — whether that’s further expanding YogaRox, returning to acting in a new medium, or exploring creative avenues beyond the screen.

What is clear is this: Roxy Shahidi’s story didn’t end with Emmerdale. It evolved.

In sharing her vulnerability so openly, she has reminded fans that reinvention is rarely easy — but it can be deeply empowering. And judging by the outpouring of love she’s received, she won’t be walking this new path alone.

As the curtain falls on one era, the future holds promise, purpose, and possibility — and fans will be watching, cheering her on every step of the way.