Emmerdale: Moira Dingle headbutts Ruby Fox-Miligan
Emmerdale has confirmed a devastating brain tumour storyline for Moira Dingle with 'challenging' times ahead.
In an emotional episode set for Friday night, fans will witness the gut-wrenching moment when Moira, portrayed by actress Natalie J Robb, is diagnosed with a type of brain tumour called a meningioma.
Moira's recent worrying actions, marked by personality shifts, uncontrolled outbursts, disorientation, memory lapses and seizures, will finally be explained by this shocking revelation.
Although the tumour is non-cancerous, it plunges Moira into a realm of concern over her uncertain future, the daunting prospect of surgery and exploring other treatment options.
For this storyline, Emmerdale has sought expertise from Brains Trust and The Brain Tumour Charity, ensuring that Moira's journey is depicted sensitively and correctly with continued guidance throughout the production process, reports Leeds Live.
Emmerdale producer, Sophie Roper, made a statement regarding the plot, saying: "Moira's diagnosis comes as a huge shock to both her and her family and Moira faces an emotional and challenging time ahead.
"The research and support we've received throughout this storyline has allowed us to depict the realities of the condition and though at times it may be distressing to see the symptoms Moira's experiencing, we're keen to explore the hope and resilience Moira finds as she comes to terms with her diagnosis."
Meanwhile, Natalie, who plays Moira, added: "I feel really fortunate to be trusted with such a challenging storyline. Moira and her family have an extremely challenging time ahead, and I'm hoping I can portray it in a truthful way that does justice to all the people who are really suffering with a brain tumour."
Moira's recent erratic behaviour had been concerning viewers, culminating in a heart-stopping moment earlier in the week where she mistakenly set off a catastrophic barn fire, believing Ruby Fox-Milligan to be the late Emma Barton, whom Moira killed in 2017.
During Thursday's episode, fans were on tenterhooks as Moira was rescued from the inferno and whisked away to hospital, where doctors speculated on a severe diagnosis after discovering a mass on her brain causing undue pressure.
And now, in a twist that will leave fans devastated on Friday, it is confirmed that Moira is battling a brain tumour, offering insight into her recent alarming behaviour on the ITV soap.
If you have been affected by this story, you can get support and help at The Brain Tumour Charity or Brains Trust.
Emmerdale airs weeknights at 7:30pm on ITV1 and ITVX, with an hour-long episode on Thursdays.
