Emmerdale’s Natalie J Robb on Moira’s brain tumour battle and the return of Ross Barton

Emmerdale’s Natalie J Robb on Moira’s brain tumour battle and the return of Ross Barton

Reflecting upon Louise’s remarkable journey in the world of acting, one can’t help but be awestruck by her resilience and versatility. From her screen debut at nine to winning Young Entertainer of the Year on Going Live!, Louise has truly come a long way. Her ability to transform into various characters, even as a shy child, showcases her unique talent and adaptability.


After enduring crushing sorrow, continuous turmoil, multiple fire-ravaged farms, and marriage to Cain Dingle, Emmerdale’s Moira Dingle now confronts her most formidable struggle – a diagnosis of a brain tumor.

This formidable farmer character, known for her strength among the women in the soap opera, has gone as far as taking lives to shield those dear to her. In what seems like an unexpected twist, this new plotline offers Natalie J Robb an opportunity to reveal hitherto unexplored tougher aspects of her hard-nosed persona.

Over several weeks, a growing feeling that something wasn’t right about the matriarch of Butler’s farm, Moira, began to take hold as her actions grew increasingly unusual.

As a movie buff, I found myself initially speculating about the unfolding events, attributing sudden fits of rage, lapses in memory, and bouts of unease to everyday stressors. However, upon further examination, it became clear that something far darker was at play.

As a cinephile, I can relate when Robb says, “Many of these signs are reminiscent of menopause, and unfortunately, in the real world, quite a few women aren’t diagnosed until much later due to this very reason.

As I sat there, I found myself lost in a world of my own, seemingly unaware of the reality unfolding around me. Little did I know that these were moments of ‘absence seizures,’ instances when one momentarily drifts away from consciousness.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself grappling with increasing health issues, culminating in seizures. Eventually, after a series of tests, I received the news that I had a benign brain tumor known as a meningioma, which was causing my distress.

Currently, Mrs. Dingle is grappling with a tough choice: should she opt for surgery to get rid of the tumor, or explore other management options. Both paths involve some degree of risk, making the situation more emotionally charged as the family struggles to accept this unexpected news.

According to Robb, the responses on social media about the topic of brain tumors, as addressed by Emmerdale, have been incredibly heartfelt. People who’ve undergone surgery themselves, are yet to do so, or have lost loved ones to this condition have shared deeply personal stories and expressed their gratitude towards Emmerdale for shedding light on this important issue.

On-going dramas hold immense power over us; they touch lives deeply. They provide a temporary escape from reality, yet when viewers find themselves reflected within these stories, they experience a sense of companionship amidst the vastness of the world.

Robbie immerses herself deeply in this captivating tale, showing great enthusiasm for stressing the significance of thorough investigation when addressing such a delicate subject matter.

“When it comes to medical matters, it’s crucial to do thorough research to ensure accuracy. I was cautious about portraying seizures authentically since I wanted to get it right. After consulting with doctors and neurologists, I learned that the body stiffens during a seizure, which can be draining and leave you feeling weak for several days due to the physical toll.

Discussing anything related to health can be quite complex, so I was eager to delve deeply into the subject to ensure I had a comprehensive understanding.

In her role as the crucial member of her unruly family, Moira is troubled by the prospect of having to alter her lifestyle due to her tumor. This week, a momentary distraction caused by her health issue resulted in chaos at the farm and placed her livestock in jeopardy, prompting concerns that she may need to relinquish a position that holds great significance for her.

She becomes irritable towards Matty and Mackenzie when they bring up troubles at the farm, causing her to realize her own potential danger. Moira is deeply concerned about losing her autonomy; the job holds a significant part of her identity, and without it, she feels uncertain about her own self.

The concern regarding this surgery is that she may not fully regain her previous state, potentially losing her individuality and self-reliance post-surgery.

For Moira and Cain, the tumor serves as another hurdle they must overcome together. Their intense, tempestuous relationship has made them one of Emmerdale’s beloved couples that have stood the test of time. They’ve faced numerous challenges to their union before, and Robb is optimistic that they can manage this latest obstacle, even though Cain currently disagrees with Moira about not having the tumor removed immediately.

Ultimately, their bond is strong because they care deeply for one another, providing the strength they need to persevere. They’ll face challenges ahead, but they’ll lean on each other in various moments, and their ability to overcome these trials together will serve as a testament to their resilience.

Cain’s struggles will lead him to a critical point, yet he must find the resilience to stand by Moira. What makes their situation unique is their deep understanding of each other. Just as we observed with Holly, Moira’s daughter, and her battle with drug addiction, this journey isn’t solely about one individual – it’s a shared experience that significantly impacts the entire family.

Emmerdale’s Natalie J Robb on Moira’s brain tumour battle and the return of Ross Barton

Among all actors, it’s undeniably Robb who can lead viewers on an unexpected, emotional rollercoaster. A gifted performer with a strong, authentic presence, he brings a sense of resilience and relatability to Moira, making her a complex heroine with flaws that resonate with us. Despite her past mistakes, such as questionable relationships and the tragic act of killing her serial killer sister-in-law Emma, she manages to evoke our empathy.

Robb has a knack for engaging audiences, as she essentially spent her formative years in front of cameras. At nine years old, she made her screen debut opposite Tom Conti in a docudrama about Scottish designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. When she was 13, she clinched the Young Entertainer of the Year award on BBC One’s Saturday morning kids’ show, Going Live!.

She reminisces, “I used to mimic soap opera characters! Can you imagine? It took a lot of courage for this timid girl in a lavender tracksuit and a blue cap, it was quite embarrassing! As a shy child, I believe taking on different personas was my way of expressing myself.

The exposure won her a regular role in Scottish soap Take the High Road, which she did throughout her teens alongside schooling. “That’s where I learnt about multi-camera acting. It was a good training ground where I picked up lots of tricks of the trade, and the crew were lovely and took me under their wing. I always say the crew are your first audience.”

After featuring in several prominent TV dramas such as EastEnders, London’s Burning, Doctors, and The Bill, Robb eventually joined Emmerdale in 2009 as part of the initial Barton family members. Over time, she established a notable and consistent career in this field. However, she mentions that she never intended to stay for more than 15 years; she’s been there since then but the extended tenure was unforeseen.

She ponders, ‘It seems like it hasn’t been very long.’ She had no set strategy; her only initial thought was, ‘If I stick around for a while, I might as well purchase a home and climb onto the property ladder!’

I live fully in the moment and approach jobs without excessive contemplation. The field I’m in can be quite demanding, but I feel fortunate to be where I am, appreciating every opportunity that comes my way. Every day presents new challenges and pushes me beyond my limits, which is exactly what I enjoy. I can’t imagine doing anything else or working in an office environment.

Emmerdale’s Natalie J Robb on Moira’s brain tumour battle and the return of Ross Barton

It’s fair to assume that Moira’s present situation will occupy Robb for several upcoming months, and there are additional developments coming up apart from her health issue – specifically, the reappearance of her estranged nephew, Ross, portrayed by beloved returning star Michael Parr.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Mikey… but he’d be furious if he knew I said that! Despite him being gone for six years, we’ve managed to stay in touch. His return has brought me immense joy. It’s wonderful to see those familiar faces again and it feels like no time has passed at all. He seems untouched by time, which is just not fair!

It seems that Robb remains silent about whether Ross, known for his mischievous ways, will assist or hinder Auntie Moira during her difficult time, given their complex past. In essence, one might say, “Indeed, Moira did take the life of Ross’s mother, a fact worth remembering! With his return and typical knack for stirring up chaos, it’s safe to expect some trouble from Ross.

In my perspective, as I sit down to share my thoughts on the moving tale of “Moira’s Journey,” it’s evident that our protagonist has a challenging road ahead. With her fight against the tumor just commencing, she finds herself at a crossroads, seeking every ounce of support as she contemplates her choices and gazes into an uncertain tomorrow.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve had some exciting conversations with the producers, and let me tell you, there are going to be several moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat! Now, I don’t mean explosions in the traditional sense, just after the last barn fire. Let’s just say the journey ahead is filled with a few unexpected twists and turns…

Emmerdale is collaborating closely with Brains Trust and The Brain Tumor Charity regarding Moira’s storyline. For those who have been affected, they can reach out to Brains Trust’s 24/7 Helpline at 01983 292 405.

Emmerdale airs Monday to Friday at 7:30pm on ITV1. Stream on ITVX.

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2024-09-30 09:34