Inside Emmerdale’s Roxy Shahidi’s life from famous actor husband to second career
Roxy Shahidi is reportedly due to exit the Dales as Leyla Harding in upcoming scenes
Roxy Shahidi, beloved for her role as Leyla Harding on ITV’s Emmerdale, has become a familiar face on television since she entered the scene in 2008. After an initial stint, she took a two-year hiatus in 2011 only to return to the soap in 2013, securing Leyla’s status as a pillar of the village life.
At 41, Roxy, who’s gearing up for a star turn on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? this Sunday, 2 February, is about to bid farewell to the Dales as her character Leyla prepares for an impending dramatic exit, according to reports, which has sparked rumours of a potential on-screen death.
A source told The Sun: “Roxy has adored her time on the soap and has made so many happy memories since first joining when she was just 17. The cast have become like family to her, and she has grown so much as an actress. But now, she feels it’s the perfect time to spread her wings and try something new.”
Away from Emmerdale, Roxy has taken part in ITV’s Dancing on Ice and also starred in reality series Drama Queens, which followed the lives of several soap actresses.
However, TV isn’t Roxy’s only focus. She’s also a yoga teacher and has set up her own YouTube channel, where she regularly shares yoga flows for subscribers to enjoy, reports Leeds Live.
Roxy, a dedicated vegan, shared her journey with Viva! Vegan Charity, recalling how she had been following a plant-based lifestyle for more than two decades.
Roxy is a dedicated vegan and has been for more than two decades ( Image: ITV)
She expressed: “I’ve been vegan for 22 years, initially it was about me; my health, my skin, my feeling of wellbeing. But now it’s about so much more, I don’t want my food to have fought for its life… I don’t want any animals to suffer for my pleasure.”
Roxy is happily married to fellow actor Arsher Ali. The couple tied the knot back in 2010 and welcomed a daughter together in 2018. The two stars tend to keep their relationship and family out of the spotlight.
Arsher, 40, has starred in several films including Four Lions, The Flood and The Dig, as well as many TV shows, such as Silent Witness, Funny Woman, Everyone Else Burns and Cold Courage.
