Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi shares reason for joining Dancing On Ice

12 December 2023 , 22:35

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Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi shares reason for joining Dancing On Ice (Image: WireImage)

Emmerdale actress Roxy Shahidi shared the reason she signed up for the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice.

The 40-year-old star is best known for her role as Leyla Harding on the soap. She first appeared as the character in 2008. A few months ago, Roxy was announced as one of the many stars.

Roxy joining the show was announced on Steph's Packed Lunch in early October. Appearing on the show, she said: "I’m an actor hiding behind a character that's where I'm most comfortable. Being yourself out there on the ice with no character to hide behind is really scary for me. I’d say that’s the scariest element for me."

And now, she revealed why she chose to join the show. She said: "I just wanted a new kitchen".

She jokingly revealed why she chose to join the show

She added: "In all seriousness, it's an adventure. I've been in Emmerdale for so long and I absolutely love it but I think it's good for your mind to do something different and it feels like a little adventure. I was more excited about it before I actually signed my contract then I just became incredibly scared because I realise how dangerous is it.

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"As soon as you get on the ice and you start to learn you realise how little you know and how hard it's going to be. Now I'm starting to skate independently, there's a new lease of life and a little bit of excitement bubbling up now."

She explained how Emmerdale have been understanding as she juggled being on set, Dancing On Ice training as well as raising her five-year-old daughter.

It comes as fans have been waiting for news of who will be hosting the latest series, which starts in a matter of weeks. The ITV show is set to make a return in the new year, but its hosts are yet to be confirmed. It comes after Phillip Schofield quit This Morning and ITV earlier this year after admitting to an "unwise" but "not illegal" affair with a younger colleague.

Co-star Holly Willoughby hasn't confirmed if she will return to screens for the dance competition after she also walked away from This Morning back in October. Holly and Phil have presented the show since it launched back in 2006. Christine Lampard took over from Holly for three years, before Holly and Phil rejoined in 2018 after a break.

The 2024 series of Dancing on Ice has its full celebrity lineup, yet fans are waiting for confirmation of its hosts.

Zara Woodcock