In a recent interview with OK! Magazine, Natalie J Robb, who portrays Moira Dingle on the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale, opened up about her character's dramatic storyline and the emotional impact of recent plot developments. The actress shared insights into Moira's current predicament, her personal growth, and the broader themes the show is exploring.
A Heartbreaking Decision and Its Consequences
Several weeks ago, Moira Dingle made the difficult choice to sell her shares in Butler's Farm to Kim Tate, played by Claire King. This decision came after the farm had been facing financial struggles, but the primary catalyst was Cain Dingle's prostate cancer diagnosis, portrayed by Jeff Hordley. Moira prioritized her family's focus on Cain's health over the business, despite the personal heartbreak involved.
Since the sale, Cain and his two sons have relocated from Butler's Farm to Wishing Well Cottage, joining the rest of the Dingle family. The new tenant farmer at Moira's former home is Robert Sugden, played by Ryan Hawley, who is navigating his role alongside partner Aaron Dingle, portrayed by Danny Miller.
Moira's Current Situation and Future Prospects
Moira Dingle is currently incarcerated, facing charges of double murder and trafficking crimes that were actually committed by Celia Daniels, played by Jaye Griffiths. Moira was framed through Celia's deceit and the cunning manipulations of Joe Tate, portrayed by Ned Porteous. Despite her innocence, she remains behind bars.
Meanwhile, Cain Dingle is working diligently to establish a new farm with assistance from Sam Dingle, played by James Hooton, and Mackenzie Boyd, portrayed by Lawrence Robb. His goal is to have the farm operational and ready for Moira to join upon her eventual release from prison.
Character Evolution and Personal Growth
Natalie J Robb discussed how prison is transforming Moira Dingle, making her "a bit harder" and altering her self-presentation. "She's had everything taken away from her," Robb explained, noting that Moira will now focus on aspects of her life she previously neglected. This period of incarceration is leading to a personal rebirth, making her tougher and more self-aware.
Robb reflected on the emotional adjustment Moira will face upon release: "When she's out, she's gonna be around people all of a sudden again and that can feel weird because you've just been on your own for ages and you've not had the same chain of chaos as you used to have."
Embracing Change and Returning to Roots
The actress acknowledged the significant shift in her work environment, moving away from the familiar Butler's Farm sets. "It's a bit of a difference," she admitted, but emphasized that the show is returning to its foundational elements with the Tates, Dingles, and Sugdens. This shift opens up numerous storytelling possibilities.
"All good things come to an end," Robb stated, acknowledging the odd feeling of this transition while expressing satisfaction with the current production quality. "It does feel a little bit odd but we are producing some good stuff at the minute, so I'm happy with that."
Behind the Scenes: Managing Workload and Mental Health
Natalie J Robb revealed her demanding schedule, which involves constant line memorization. "We learn lines and then when you go home, you're learning lines for the next day," she shared. Her method involves "skeletonising" her lines and reinforcing them the night before filming.
To manage the stress and maintain mental balance, Robb has incorporated tai chi into her daily routine. Using a mobile app for convenience, she practices for 15 minutes each day, noting improvements in her sleep quality and overall calmness. "It's very calming and I've been doing it at night because I've not got time in the morning," she explained.
Emmerdale's Commitment to Important Social Issues
Robb emphasized the soap's role in addressing mental health struggles, a topic she believes affects everyone. "Even the way that we work, for example, you can get tired and that can cause a strain on your mental health, because you're trying to keep up with things," she noted.
The actress praised the increased openness about mental health, contrasting it with past attitudes where such issues were "brushed under the carpet." She connected this to Cain Dingle's prostate cancer storyline, highlighting the importance of maintaining mental wellbeing during physical health challenges.
"The mind and body work so hand-in-hand together," Robb asserted. "All these issues need to be raised, it's very important, because the world's not an easy place to live in now, unfortunately."
She concluded by acknowledging the changing social landscape and the vital role soaps play in encouraging people to speak openly about their struggles: "It's not what it was when I was growing up, that's for sure. It's important these shows stop people being afraid to speak out."
