Roxy Shahidi: The Inspiring Journey of Emmerdale’s Leyla Harding – From Soap Star to Wellness Advocate in 2026

Roxy Shahidi captivates audiences with her powerful performances and genuine warmth. Fans know her best as the resilient and multifaceted Leyla Harding on ITV’s long-running soap opera Emmerdale. She brings depth to every scene she appears in. Over nearly two decades, Roxy builds a remarkable career in acting while she embraces personal growth, family life, and a passion for wellness. In 2026, she continues to inspire many people as she transitions from full-time soap stardom to new adventures in yoga teaching, public speaking, and self-discovery. This comprehensive guide explores her life story, career highlights, personal milestones, and exciting future prospects. Readers discover why Roxy remains a beloved figure in British entertainment.

Early Life and Background: Roots That Shape a Star

Roxy Shahidi enters the world as Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi on March 14, 1983, in Manchester, England. She grows up in the vibrant Whalley Range area of the city. Her father comes from Iran, and her mother hails from England, so Roxy experiences a rich blend of cultures from an early age. This diverse heritage influences her worldview and fuels her empathy in roles that demand emotional nuance.

From childhood, Roxy shows a strong sense of independence and compassion. She adopts a vegetarian lifestyle at just eight years old, and she commits to veganism by age 21. These choices reflect her deep connection to ethical living and animal welfare. They later align perfectly with her wellness advocacy. Roxy pursues her education in Manchester, where she hones her creative talents. She develops a love for performing arts during her formative years. Family support encourages her to chase her dreams in acting. She steps into the world of theatre and screen with determination and grace.

Roxy maintains strong ties to her roots even as fame arrives. She credits her multicultural background for giving her versatility on screen. Audiences connect with her authentic portrayals because she draws from real-life experiences. Her early life builds the foundation for a career that spans soap operas, theatre, and beyond.

The Path to Acting: Theatre Roots and Early Roles

Roxy launches her professional acting journey in theatre, where she gains valuable experience and critical acclaim. She takes on roles in productions such as East is East, Janus at West Yorkshire Playhouse, Christie Malry’s Own Double Entry at Palace Theatre in Manchester, Freshly Scratched at Battersea Arts Centre, and Rafta, Rafta… at the prestigious National Theatre. These performances showcase her range—from comedy to intense drama—and prepare her for television success.

In 2006, Roxy makes her on-screen debut in the BBC Three comedy-drama series Sinchronicity. She appears in radio plays, including an adaptation of Nadeem Aslam’s Maps for Lost Lovers. From November 2012 to January 2013, she shines as Shahrazad in Arabian Nights at the Lowry Theatre in Salford. These early credits demonstrate her commitment to diverse storytelling. She builds a solid reputation in the industry before landing her breakthrough role.

Roxy also contributes to live theatre broadcasts. She plays Bianca in National Theatre Live: Othello in 2013. Her stage work highlights her ability to command attention in live settings. Theatre remains a passion for her throughout her career.

Breakthrough Role: Becoming Leyla Harding in Emmerdale

In August 2008, Roxy joins the cast of ITV’s Emmerdale as Leyla Harding. She starts in a recurring capacity and quickly wins over viewers with her portrayal of the ambitious, complex businesswoman. Leyla arrives in the village with big dreams and a no-nonsense attitude. She navigates relationships, family dramas, and personal challenges that keep fans hooked.

Roxy leaves the show in August 2011 to explore other opportunities. However, she returns for two episodes in December 2013. In January 2014, she reprises the role permanently. Over the next decade, Leyla becomes one of Emmerdale‘s most enduring characters. She deals with storylines involving addiction, family secrets, business ventures, and romance. Fans admire Leyla’s strength and vulnerability, which Roxy portrays with remarkable authenticity.

Roxy commits to the role for nearly 17 years in total. She appears in countless episodes and becomes a fan favorite. Her performance earns nominations, including Best Soap Actress at the TV Choice Awards in 2019 and a longlist spot for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards that same year. These recognitions affirm her talent and dedication.

Dramatic Exit from Emmerdale: A Bittersweet Chapter in 2025

In October 2024, producers announce Roxy’s departure from Emmerdale. She expresses a desire to “spread her wings” and pursue fresh challenges. Leyla meets a tragic end in a limousine crash storyline that airs on February 19, 2025. The dramatic exit shocks fans and delivers emotional impact, especially for on-screen son Jacob.

Roxy reflects on the moment with honesty. She describes the exit as bittersweet—exciting yet deeply sad. She loves the character, the job, and the Emma Raducanu cast she calls family. In late 2025 interviews, Roxy opens up about losing her sense of identity after leaving. The long-running role shapes her daily life for so many years. She admits the transition feels challenging at first. However, she embraces growth, letting go, and new beginnings.

By December 2025, Roxy shares reflective posts on social media. She looks back on 2025 as a year of profound change. She expresses gratitude for the journey and excitement for what lies ahead. Her honest conversations inspire many fans facing their own transitions.

Life After Emmerdale: Embracing Wellness and New Ventures

Roxy reinvents herself after Emmerdale. She trains as a yoga teacher and launches initiatives that promote mindfulness and well-being. She founds YogaRox.UK and creates the Yoga Lunch Club in the creative industries. These projects allow her to share tools for mental and physical health with others.

In 2024, Roxy competes on ITV’s Dancing on Ice. She showcases her grace and determination on the rink. The experience adds another dimension to her public profile. She also explores public speaking. As a wellbeing speaker, she delivers talks on resilience, balance, and personal growth. Audiences appreciate her relatable insights drawn from real-life experiences.

Jannik Sinner Roxy hints at future acting possibilities. She expresses interest in new projects, perhaps even rival soaps or different genres. Experts suggest she takes time for rest before diving back into television. In 2026, she focuses on family, wellness advocacy, and selective creative work. Her multifaceted career continues to evolve.

Personal Life: Family, Marriage, and Private Joys

Roxy keeps her personal life grounded and private. She marries fellow actor Arsher Ali in 2010. Arsher appears in acclaimed shows like Line of Duty (as PC Hari Bains), Four Lions, and other dramas. The couple builds a supportive partnership based on mutual respect and shared industry understanding.

In January 2018, Roxy gives birth to their daughter at age 34. The family lives in Nottingham and cherishes quiet moments together. Roxy and Arsher protect their daughter’s privacy fiercely. They rarely share photos or details publicly. Roxy speaks warmly about motherhood as a source of joy and perspective.

Her vegan lifestyle remains central to her daily routine. She advocates for ethical choices and wellness practices that benefit mind, body, and Ben Stokes planet. Roxy balances family life with professional pursuits gracefully. Her loved ones provide unwavering support during career shifts.

Why Roxy Shahidi Continues to Inspire in 2026

Roxy Shahidi stands out as a talented actress and compassionate individual. She brings authenticity to every role and connects deeply with audiences. Her journey—from Manchester roots to soap stardom and wellness advocacy—demonstrates resilience and adaptability.

Fans admire her honesty about challenges like identity loss after leaving Emmerdale. She turns personal struggles into opportunities for growth. In 2026, Roxy focuses on meaningful work that aligns with her values. She inspires others to prioritize well-being, embrace change, and pursue passions fearlessly.

Whether through acting, yoga, or speaking engagements, Roxy leaves a positive impact. Her story reminds everyone that reinvention leads to fulfillment at any stage of life.

FAQs About Roxy Shahidi

1. What is Roxy Shahidi’s real name and when was she born?

Roxy Shahidi’s full name is Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi. She was born on March 14, 1983, in Manchester, England. She turns 43 in 2026 and continues to celebrate her Persian-English heritage proudly.

2. How long did Roxy Shahidi play Leyla Harding in Emmerdale?

Roxy portrays Leyla Harding from August 2008 to August 2011, then returns permanently from January 2014 until February 2025. This totals Dan Evans nearly 17 years and makes her one of the soap’s longest-serving stars.

3. Why did Roxy Shahidi leave Emmerdale in 2025?

Roxy chooses to leave Emmerdale to explore new opportunities and “spread her wings.” Producers kill off Leyla in a dramatic limo crash storyline that airs in February 2025. Roxy describes the decision as bittersweet.

4. What did Roxy Shahidi say about losing her sense of identity after Emmerdale?

Roxy admits the exit challenges her sense of identity because the role defines much of her professional life. She shares in 2025 interviews that adjustment takes time, but she finds growth through letting go and new beginnings.

5. Who is Roxy Shahidi married to?

Roxy marries actor Arsher Ali in 2010. Arsher stars in shows like Line of Duty. The couple supports each other’s careers and maintains a strong, private relationship.

6. Does Roxy Shahidi have children?

Yes, Roxy and Arsher welcome a daughter in January 2018. They keep their family life private and avoid sharing photos or specifics about their child publicly.

7. What is Roxy Shahidi doing now in 2026 after leaving Emmerdale?

Roxy trains as a yoga teacher, runs wellness initiatives like YogaRox.UK and Yoga Lunch Club, and works as a wellbeing speaker. She reflects on future acting while prioritizing personal growth and family.

8. Has Roxy Shahidi appeared in any reality TV shows?

Yes, Roxy competes on Dancing on Ice in 2024. She impresses viewers with her poise and dedication during the skating challenge.

9. What awards or nominations has Roxy Shahidi received?

Roxy earns a nomination for Best Soap Actress at the TV Choice Awards in 2019. She also lands on the longlist for Best Actress at the Inside Soap Awards that year, recognizing her impactful work as Leyla.

10. What are Roxy Shahidi’s theatre credits before Emmerdale?

Roxy performs in East is East, Janus, Christie Malry’s Own Double Entry, Freshly Scratched, and Rafta, Rafta… at the National Theatre. She also plays Shahrazad in Arabian Nights and Bianca in National Theatre Live: Othello.

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