Emmerdale star Rokhsaneh Ghawam-Shahidi has decided to leave the soap after three years in the role of Leyla Harding.
The actress chose not to renew her contract with the ITV1 show and will film her final scenes as Leyla later this month, the Daily Star Sunday reports.
Speaking to the newspaper, Ghawam-Shahidi confirmed: "I have had an amazing three years at Emmerdale and it has been a really tough decision to leave."
News of Leyla's departure comes just days before viewers will see her receive an unexpected proposal from boyfriend David Metcalfe, played by Matthew Wolfenden.
The feisty character has also been tipped for further clashes with sister Alicia Gallagher (Natalie Anderson) before making her departure. Emmerdale's sibling duo have frequently been at odds over youngster Jacob, who was raised by Alicia despite being Leyla's biological son.
Details of Leyla's exit storyline are currently unknown. However, teasing the possible consequences for Alicia, David and Jacob, a source told the tabloid: "There will be more than one broken heart when she goes."
Corrinne Wicks (Ella Hart), Sapphire Elia (Mia Macey), Kelsey-Beth Crossley (Scarlett Nicholls), Kirsty-Leigh Porter (Roz Fielding) and Suzanne Shaw (Eve Jenson) are among a number of other Emmerdale cast members who are due to depart screens in the coming months.
Reply With Quote