Roxy Shahidi Prioritizes Training and Steps Back from Emmerdale
Roxy Shahidi, known for her role as Leyla Harding on Emmerdale, will be taking a step back from the soap to concentrate on her training for Dancing on Ice. The actress revealed that Emmerdale has been supportive of her decision to shift her focus.
An Accommodation is Made
Initially concerned about juggling her responsibilities on the soap, her ice-skating training, and being a mother, Roxy has found a compromise. Emmerdale has allowed her to reduce her screen time as they don't have major storylines for her character in the near future. This accommodation will enable her to dedicate more time to Dancing on Ice.
Emmerdale Stars Shine on the Ice
Emmerdale actors have had success on Dancing on Ice in previous years. Joe-Warren Plant, who plays Leyla's son Jacob, and former winner Matthew Wolfenden, who portrayed David Metcalfe, have both competed on the show. Roxy joked that her entire fictional family has danced and that she has received advice from previous Emmerdale stars.
Embracing New Challenges
Roxy's worlds are set to collide as ice dancing legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will appear in a Christmas storyline in Emmerdale. Describing the crossover as "weird," Roxy said it was a fun experience. Her character, Leyla, has a connection to the skating stars and calls in a favor to bring them to the Dales for a special marriage proposal.
A Yoga Advantage
Roxy, a qualified yoga teacher, may have an advantage over her fellow castmates due to her flexibility. A TV insider revealed that Roxy's ability to get into demanding positions will benefit her in tackling the difficult routines on Dancing on Ice.
Fearless in Her Forties
Approaching her 40th birthday, Roxy is eager to embrace new challenges and feels more fearless than ever. While she won't be leaving Emmerdale, she will have a busy few months juggling filming duties with rehearsals for Dancing on Ice.
Roxy will be joined on the show by Olympian Greg Rutherford, Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney, and Love Island legend Amber Davies. The full line-up for Dancing on Ice will be announced in the coming weeks.
