Emmerdale Star Roxy Shahidi Reveals She “Wept Every Day” While Filming Harrowing Storyline
Former Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi has opened up about the devastating storyline that left her emotionally drained during her 16-year run on the ITV soap.
Shahidi, who portrayed Leyla Harding from 2008 until the character’s tragic death in 2025, admitted that filming the aftermath of Leanna Cavanagh’s shocking murder hit her harder than anything else.
Leyla’s Heartbreaking Journey
Leyla, best known as Jacob Gallagher’s mother and Take a Vow’s events planner, endured years of turmoil in the Dales. Her biggest heartbreak came when her husband, GP Liam Cavanagh, lost his teenage daughter Leanna at the hands of serial killer Meena Jutla in 2021.
Speaking on The Lewis Nicholls Show, Shahidi recalled the weight of portraying that grief:
“I just wept every day because I think it was just the idea of being a parent and loss. Knowing there are so many parents out there living that reality—it was overwhelming.”
She explained that co-star Jonny McPherson (Liam) worked closely with charities and grieving families to bring authenticity to the storyline, which only deepened the impact during filming.
Living Through Grief On Screen
As a mother herself, Shahidi admitted the storyline forced her to confront fears she normally pushed aside:
“There is so much grief, especially for parents. Just being confronted with that day in, day out—it is selfish to say because I didn’t experience it personally, and I’m so lucky. But to portray it, I was just so upset.”
The actress revealed even seeing photos of Leanna on set months later could trigger an emotional response, because of how deeply invested she became in Leyla’s journey with Liam.
Leyla’s Final Chapter
Earlier this year, Leyla was killed off during the dramatic limo crash disaster that claimed three lives, closing the curtain on Shahidi’s long-running role. Reflecting on her departure, she said leaving was both “terrifying and exciting” after so many years in the Emmerdale “bubble.”
At 42, Shahidi now feels ready for fresh projects and new adventures, though she admitted she will miss her colleagues, routine, and the character who defined so much of her career.
“I was lucky enough to spend 16 years in a show that I loved. Life is short, and I’m really ready for new adventures to see where they take me.”