Emmerdale legend leaving soap after 16 years and will be killed off in explosive scenes

An Emmerdale legend is set to leave the show after 16 years on the ITV series. It has been said that they want to "try something new"

Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi is leaving the long-running series after 16 years.

The actress plays Leyla Harding in the ITV soap and sources have claimed she wants to "spread her wings". They 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."

She joined the cast in August 2008 and left in August 2011. She returned to two episodes in December 2013 and reprised the role on a permanent basis in January 2014. Roxy, who is married to actor Arsher Ali and shares a six-year-old daughter with him, previously discussed her love of the programme.

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