An intriguing flash-forward scene that aired a in a recent episode of Emmerdale seemingly confirmed Leyla Harding’s (Roxy Shahidi) death – but did you spot it?
At the end of August, an instalment of the ITV soap aired that featured glimpses into three different versions of Belle Dingle’s (Eden Taylor-Draper) future.
Scenario one saw Belle get back with abusive husband Tom King (James Chase) to save Amelia Spencer (Daisy Campbell).
The second one saw Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) attack Tom and Belle end up on a mental health ward. The third and final scenario saw Belle leave Tom but not report him to the police, but it also saw him murder new partner Amelia.
Another development in the third version of Belle’s future saw her working with Suzy Merton (Martelle Edinborough) at Take A Vow.
Her slicked back hair and stylish clothes suggested she had been working there for quite some time and intriguingly, Leyla Harding was nowhere to be seen – despite the fact the business belongs to her.
At the time, fans didn’t really think much of it but now, following reports Roxy Shahidi will be leaving the show, they are beginning to wonder if Leyla’s death was confirmed in this flash-forward clip all along.
Fearing the worst, a user on X wrote: ‘Emmerdale have known Roxy was leaving for ages, that flashforward episode where Belle and Suzy were co-owners of Take A Vow… no sign of Leyla, that was probably the first hint.’
One theory currently circulating when it comes to Leyla’s death involves Ella Forster (Paula Lane), who murdered her friend in a jealous rage when she was a child.
As it stands, Ella and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) have agreed to give their relationship another go, but Liam isn’t being entirely honest with himself about his feelings.
Due to the chemistry he has with Chas Dingle (Lucy Pargeter), Liam has found himself torn between the two women.
The prospect of knowing how Liam feels about Chas is bound to make Ella feel jealous but if Leyla was to get involved, it could spell disaster. Leyla could simply have something to say because she wants to protect Liam from Ella, or she could get involved in this plot because she still has feelings for her ex.
Either way, if Ella was to be faced with the Liam being taken from her – the same feelings she felt when she lost mother figure June could resurface.
A source close to the actress told The Sun of her excitement about this new chapter: ‘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.’
While the details of Leyla Harding’s death are being kept under wraps, it’s clear that the storyline will be a major event in Emmerdale.
Shahidi is thrilled to have such a powerful exit, with the source adding: ‘She’s 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.’
