An Emmerdale star has opened up about the "weird" moments she "struggled" to film for the popular soap opera.
Roxy Shahidi, who played the role of Leyla Harding on the ITV show, has spoken out about how some of the programme's more sexual moments made her feel.
Speaking with her former co-star, Matthew Wolfenden, she shared how she felt having to kiss fellow actors, explaining that this was not fun.
Emmerdale star Roxy Shahidi says she 'struggled' to film certain scenes
According to The Sun, Matthew said: "They decided to try to put David and Leyla back together — do you remember? — and we had to do a kissy scene. It was the weirdest thing, wasn’t it?
"Because it's alright when you're doing those scenes with... (people you don't know so well)."
Speaking on their podcast The Celebrity Side Hustle, Roxy responded: "I really struggle with them, because I am someone, and I know it sounds daft as an actor because people listening will be saying, 'It’s your job.'
“It is, and you do get on with it, but for me personally, I'm so weird about personal space.
"I've just never felt comfortable with it."
She added: "It's always made me anxious.
"I always get a bit awkward, but the best way I found to deal with it is to almost choreograph it like a dance."
Roxy Shahidi leaves Emmerdale after 12-year run
Roxy Shahidi officially left Emmerdale earlier this year, playing the role of Leyla Harding from 2008 to 2011 and again from 2013 until 2025.
Speaking with the Metro about her exit from the ITV show, she said: "I’m adjusting. I think it’s equally terrifying and really exciting’.
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"You know when you’re like, stood on the edge of a cliff and you’re like, oh my god, it’s so exciting. But equally, you’re out of that bubble, you’re out of that comfort zone. And there’s also elements that you miss. You miss your friends, you miss your routine, you miss the character.
"But also, I’m 42 now, and I was lucky enough to spend 16 years in a show that I loved. Life is short, and I’m really ready for new adventures for new projects, and to see where those things take me."
Emmerdale can be watched and streamed on ITV, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
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