Julie Lordan chats to Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira Dingle in Emmerdale

Natalie J Robb, who plays Moira Dingle in Emmerdale, talks about her character’s loyalty to Cain and why she has a new enemy to deal with

Moira Dingle (also known as Moira Barton) has had a turbulent time in Emmerdale. But she has come through and is still standing. The death of her daughter, Holly, may well have put everything else in perspective, but Moira could still do with a break. Now, with the return of Kim Tate, played by Claire King, there is more upheaval in Moira’s life. Kim is out for revenge following her stepgrandson’s Joe’s death and Cain Dingle is in the line of fire. Kim turns up at the farm to talk to Cain’s wife, Moira, but meets her match. Moira rejects her offer of money for the farm and when Kim slips and falls into the mud, she is humiliated and even more dangerous.

Moira’s ex-husband, Cain, is unsettled as Moira tells him about her face-off with Kim, worrying it could fall back on him. The next day, Kim is quietly furious when the village vet practice rejects her offer of a contract with her equestrian centre, especially as it’s clear Moira was involved. When Kim and Moira meet in the pub, a wary Cain knows that this is dangerous territory. Later at Home Farm, Kim is thrown when she receives a note from Graham, but hastily composes herself as Cain arrives. When Kim tries it on with him, he calls her bluff but then knocks her back, leaving her humiliated once again. When Graham returns and tells Kim he’s going nowhere, they both know she’s relieved, making it clear they’re equal now. Kim shares her plan to pull Cain’s life apart piece by piece and Graham is perturbed to hear how she plans to do it. However, Kim hasn’t reckoned with Moira, and her fierce loyalty to Cain. NatalieJ Robb talks about the dramatic situation from her point of view; a feud that could easily get out of control.

What did you think when you heard Moira had to face up to Kim, given that she is such a legendary character?

I was looking forward to it. I obviously didn’t know Kim’s character as she wasn’t there when I joined the cast but the village soon found out who she is. Myself and Claire have done quite a few scenes now together and we have enjoyed being thrown in at the deep end.

Who is your money on in a fight between Moira and Kim?

Moira of course! She is a farmer, she is strong, used to doing physical work every day. She doesn’t get fazed easily so if it came to a fight my money would definitely be on Moira. Would you welcome the opportunity to play out a scene that is physical, such as an actual fight?

I would if it were written in the right way: not rolling around in mud or anything like that. Moira had a fight with Charity before and I loved playing that. It was written well and our two characters had a history so that’s why that was such a hit. At the moment, I don’t have that kind of a relationship with Kim and you need that for it to work.

Why isn’t Moira scared of Kim?

Well, Moira has been through so much and she is strong. They are both adults and what I would like for the characters is that when they get to know each other a bit better they would have a kind of respect for one another.So, there is some way to go with the relationship because I think strong women tend to respect other strong women.I’m not saying they would be nice to each other, but it could be in the writing that they would have a bit of a laugh. It would probably be short-lived.

Have you enjoyed working with Claire King?

We get on very well behind the scenes. She’s very professional and we have a laugh. We’ve done quite a few scenes now but she’s fairly new and has a lot on at the moment.

There is a scene where Kim is humiliated and falls in the mud. Does Moira have a hand in that?

Ha, ha! Well she doesn’t mean to. She thrusts money at Kim and Kim falls back. So she doesn’t push her deliberately and even gives her a hand to get up. Its just that she slips, nothing more!

How does Moira scupper Kim’s chances of doing business at the vet’s?

Well, Moira just warns them off and tells them that they will be biting off more than they can chew if they go into business with her. Moira knows that Kim has already tried to get her hands on her farm.

In recent weeks we have seen a tougher more resilient side to Moira, as Cain is falling apart. That has been a bit of a role reversal hasn’t it?

I don’t think it is a role reversal really as Moira has always been that way (protective and strong) when it comes to her family. Since having her son Isaac with Cain, that has really changed her as has what she went through with Emma Barton (one of Emmerdale’s most dramatic story from last year). I think it has drawn her closer to her family and because Cain is Isaac’s father, she just wants him to be happy. She is always going to be there for him.

If Kim and Graham decide to really go after Cain, would Moira come out fighting?

Absolutely, she would do anything for Cain against those who are out to get him. To be honest, Moira just worships the ground that Cain walks on. She puts up with a lot of things from Cain but ultimately, he is the love of her life.