Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi revealed the real reason she signed up for Dancing on Ice.
The actress, 40, is best known for her portrayal of Leyla Harding on the ITV soap, making her first appearance as the character in 2008. In October, it was announced Roxy was one of the famous faces who signed up for the 2024 series of Dancing on Ice, set to hit screens in the New Year.
Revealing the news exclusively on Steph’s Packed Lunch on Friday (October 6), Roxy 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."
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Now, the soap star confessed what made her agree to appear on the gruelling ITV competition. Roxy exclusively told Daily Star and other press: "I just wanted a new kitchen".
She laughed, adding: "In all seriousness it's an adventure. I've been Emmerdale for so long and I absolutely love it but I think it's good for your mind to something different and it feels like a little adventure."
Roxy continued: "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. 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."
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She added: "Now I'm starting to skate independently, there's a new lease of life and a little bit of excitement bubbling up now." As the festive season has now arrived in Emmerdale, Roxy explained how she has been able to juggle training and working, as well as being a mum to her five-year-old daughter.
The star said: "Emmerdale have been really good because I said right from the beginning that Emmerdale is my priority. That's my job and I can't do three things. I can't be a mum, learn to ice skate and work full time."
The ITV soap made time for Roxy's training and did so by not including her in any of the major storylines coming up. The actress went on: "They said to me you haven't got a massive storyline coming up so we'll just pepper you in. So they've allowed me to take that step back in order to focus on Dancing on Ice."
Roxy will be supported by a number of her co-stars who will watch her from the studio. She revealed on-screen son Joe-Warren Plant is planning to watch, as well as Tracy Metcalfe star Amy Walsh and Matthew Wolfenden, who recently quit the soap after 17 years playing David Metcalfe.
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