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

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

The actress, who plays Leyla Harding in the soap, first joined when she was a teenager but 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."

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