Emmerdale legend 'will be killed off in a blaze of glory as actress quits the ITV soap' after more than 15 years on screen

Roxy Shahidi has reportedly quit Emmerdale after 16 years. The actress, 41, has played the role of Leyla Harding on the ITV soap since 2008, but an insider has now claimed that her character will be killed off in upcoming scenes. Roxy Shahidi has reportedly quit Emmerdale after 16 years playing Leyla Harding on the Yorkshire-based soap opera The actress, 41, has been on the soap since 2008, but an insider has now claimed that her character will be killed off in upcoming scenes Over the years Roxy's alter ego has briefly worked as a pole dancer but now has a career as an events planner. Prior to landing the role on Emmerdale, Roxy appeared in one episode of the short-lived BBC comedy drama Sinchronicity and has also acted on stage over the years. Her character is mother to Jacob Gallagher but this was not revealed until 2010 She previously noted just how much she 'loved' working on a soap because of how she got to develop a character in the long term Over the years Roxy's alter ego has briefly worked as a pole dancer but now has a career as an events planner Roxy competed on Dancing on Ice earlier this year But she previously noted just how much she 'loved' working on a soap because of how she got to develop a character in the long term.