‘Upset and disappointed’ say Emmerdale fans as they hit out at ITV soap’s writers plans for killing off huge character

EMMERDALE fans have raged at the latest news for the soap as they’re set to lose a character who’s been on screens for the past 16 years.

Actress Roxy Shahidi is leaving Emmerdale after nearly two decades of playing her character Leyla Harding, as she’s set to be killed off in the latest soap plot twist.

ITV

Emmerdale favourite Leyla Harding is set to be killed off in the soap.[/caption]

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Roxy Shahidi is leaving Emmerdale after 16 years, but fans are not happy.[/caption]

The shock news was revealed this week, but it’s left fans raging as they hit out at soap writers and blast the move as ‘disappointing’.

One fan wrote on social media: “I had a feeling this was gonna happen we haven’t seen Leyla in emmerdale for a good few months now and she hasn’t had any storylines for ages.

“But I am upset and disappointed that she’s getting killed off.”

Another added: “I don’t agree with them killing her off I don’t see the point. I don’t mind Leyla rather her on my screen than some of the other characters I can’t stand in the show.”

“I don’t agree with them killing her off I don’t see the point. I don’t mind Leyla rather her on my screen than some of the other characters I can’t stand in the show,” said a third.

Another shared: “Why can emmerdale be ok with killing Leyla but not Mack. COME ON FFS!!”

They then followed it up with: “emmerdale killing leyla off.. i hope the writers on that soap burn in h*ll”.

The news comes as a source close to Roxy 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.”

Over the years Roxy’s character Leyla has had some colourful storylines including becoming a pole dancer, being shot and developing a drug habit. 

But in real life Roxy is a trained yoga instructor and focuses on wellbeing. 

Roxy, who lives in Nottingham with her husband of 14 years, actor Arsher Ali, 40, and their six year old daughter, recently spoke out about her love of the show.

Roxy shared: “I absolutely love being in a soap like Emmerdale, because you’re able to grow your character over the years.

“It’s a process you don’t really get on many other dramas.

“And I’m so lucky to play Leyla, because she’s such a fun character.”

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Her character will be killed off in a huge storyline[/caption]