Emmerdale fans were left heartbroken earlier this year when Leyla Harding, one of the village’s most beloved characters, met a tragic end. Now, the actress behind the fan favorite,

Roxy Shahidi, has spoken candidly about the personal impact of leaving the long-running ITV soap, revealing that the departure took a toll on her sense of self and left her grappling

with an unexpected identity crisis. Roxy Shahidi first joined Emmerdale in 2008, quickly establishing Leyla Harding as a character audiences couldn’t help but root for.

After a brief hiatus between 2011 and 2013, Roxy returned to the soap full-time, becoming a fixture in the Dales and a key player in some of the show’s most memorable storylines. From dramatic feuds to heartwarming family moments, Leyla’s journey resonated with viewers, making her departure earlier this year all the more shocking.

Leyla was killed off in dramatic scenes that aired this February

Leyla’s Dramatic Exit

The soap shocked fans with a brutal and heart-wrenching storyline in February. Leyla was involved in a horrific limo crash that left her and several other characters plunging into ice-cold water. The tension in the scenes was palpable as viewers watched helplessly, knowing that Leyla’s fate hung in the balance. Tragically, she didn’t make it to the hospital in time, and her death in the ambulance marked a devastating moment for both the characters in the village and loyal fans alike.

For Roxy Shahidi, however, the emotional impact extended far beyond the camera. In a heartfelt Instagram post reflecting on her journey since leaving the show, she revealed how intertwined her life had become with the character she portrayed for nearly 17 years. “Playing Leyla 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,” she wrote.

Struggling with Identity

Roxy admitted that stepping away from the soap left her feeling unmoored. After dedicating so much of her life to bringing Leyla to life, she found herself questioning who she was outside of the character. “This time last year, I was coming to terms with having to leave this lot behind. Not just colleagues, but friends and family,” she shared, highlighting the deep connections she had formed on set over the years.

Roxy Shahidi has now thrown herself into building a yoga empire

The actress spoke openly about the emotional challenges she faced during this period of transition. Losing the daily routine, camaraderie, and creative outlet that Emmerdale had provided was more than just a career change—it felt like losing a piece of herself. She revealed that long walks with her beloved pet cockapoo, Mr. Cooper, provided a vital space to breathe, reflect, and process her feelings during these difficult months.

Finding a New Path

Amidst the uncertainty, Roxy turned to yoga—a discipline she had long cherished—as a source of grounding and healing. “Yoga once again became my anchor on the hardest days; moving my body helped me move through grief, loss, and uncertainty,” she explained. This practice not only offered physical relief but also a path toward reclaiming her sense of self.

Her journey led to the creation of YogaRox, her own online yoga initiative, which she describes as “a new home, a new family, and a new sense of self.” The venture has allowed Roxy to transform the grief of leaving the soap into personal growth, providing her with purpose and a renewed sense of direction. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic about the future: “I don’t know exactly how I’ll get there, but I know where I’m going,” she shared, capturing the hope and determination that have fueled her post-Emmerdale journey.

Support from Fans and Colleagues

Roxy’s candid reflections have resonated deeply with fans, who flooded her social media with messages of love and encouragement. Former co-stars also reached out to express their admiration and support. Laura Norton, who plays Kerry on the soap, wrote: “You’re amazing. You are very missed. Sky is the limit 😍,” while Claire Sweeney, Isobel Hodgins, and Ross Adams also shared affectionate messages.

Fans were equally effusive, praising Roxy for her resilience and celebrating her new ventures. One devoted follower wrote, “You are still so missed by us Emmerdale fans ❤️❤️ But you are smashing it now with your new projects 🙌 you are amazing!! Xx,” while another added, “I miss seeing you shine on my screen every night, but being able to see you absolutely smashing the yoga is everything ❤️ Here’s to an amazing 2026 and I hope the new year brings you nothing but happiness and big achievements.”

Reflection and Growth

Roxy’s experience underscores the often-overlooked human side of life in long-running television series. For many actors, leaving a show isn’t simply a career transition—it can feel like losing a community, a routine, and even a part of one’s identity. Roxy’s openness about her struggles highlights the emotional toll that such departures can take and the resilience required to navigate them.

By sharing her journey, Roxy has not only given fans insight into her personal challenges but also offered inspiration for those facing their own periods of uncertainty. Her story is a testament to the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and finding new paths after major life changes.

The character left the show after dying in a devastating limo crash

Looking Ahead

As Roxy Shahidi continues to grow her YogaRox initiative, she exemplifies how reinvention and self-discovery can emerge from the most challenging experiences. Her reflections remind fans that even after loss and transition, it is possible to rebuild, redefine oneself, and find fulfillment in new passions.

With the support of friends, family, and fans, Roxy has turned a moment of personal and professional upheaval into an opportunity for growth, creativity, and self-expression. As she looks forward to 2026, there is every reason to believe that this next chapter will be one of achievement, happiness, and continued connection with her audience—albeit in a very different way than the world of Emmerdale first knew her.

Roxy played Leyla for 17 years before bowing out

Her story is a poignant reminder of the powerful role actors play in shaping our favorite shows—and the emotional journey that continues long after the cameras stop rolling. Roxy Shahidi may have left the Dales, but her journey of self-discovery, resilience, and reinvention is only just beginning.

Fans and followers are encouraged to keep supporting her journey, whether through YogaRox or her continued creative endeavors, as Roxy embraces a new sense of identity and purpose—one that promises to be as inspiring as her time on the ITV soap.