Emmerdale viewers were left devastated as fan favourite Leyla Harding, played by Roxy Shahidi, died following the dramatic limo crash onto a frozen lake. The character, who had been a staple of the ITV soap since 2008, was confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital in Wednesday's episode (February 19).
The crash also claimed the life of Suzy Merton, while Amy fell through the ice into the water. Leyla's son Jacob (Joe-Warren Plant) frantically searched for his mother at the hospital, only to be told by a doctor: 'Your mum's gone.' He refused to believe it and attempted CPR, shouting: 'She wouldn't leave me, she wouldn't leave her son.' The doctor explained that Leyla died from severe blood loss before reaching the hospital.
Fans took to social media to express their grief. One wrote: 'I refuse to believe Leyla has actually gone.' Another said: 'Gutted that tonight's Emmerdale was Leyla's exit... fantastic performance.' A third commented: 'Well, that's Leyla Harding over and out! She was THE character that got me obsessed with soaps... one of the most devastating soap deaths for me.'
Leyla first arrived in the Yorkshire village to work with Eric Pollard and later had a romance with David Metcalfe. The character was written out in 2011 but returned two years later. Off-screen, Roxy Shahidi is married to actor Arsher Ali, known for his role in Line of Duty.
The episode ended on another cliffhanger as Amy continued to fight hypothermia, leaving viewers wondering if she will be the next to die. Earlier, Amy spotted a body submerged under the water, sparking speculation that it could be Nate Robinson or Anthony Fox.
