Emmerdale fans are in for an emotional revelation as Natalie J. Robb, who plays Moira Dingle, opens up about her decision to remain unmarried and childless. In a candid interview, she shares the deeply personal experience that shaped her choices. Plus, get the latest scoop on the explosive drama Moira faces on the farm!

Natalie J. Robb, beloved for her portrayal of Moira Dingle on Emmerdale, has opened up about a deeply personal aspect of her life—why she has never married or had children. The actress, known for her powerful and emotional performances on the show, revealed that her choice to remain single stems from a painful experience during her childhood.

While her character Moira is a devoted wife and mother, Natalie’s real-life path has been quite different. “I don’t have any children,” she shared, “Apart from furry animals.” The actress recently welcomed a new dog, Buddy, into her life after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved pet Bronson last year. She reflected on the grief she experienced, saying, “Last year in February, I lost Bronson, my best friend. Never felt grief like it, it doesn’t go away. But now Buddy won’t stop growing. I just love the companionship of an animal.”

But what really shaped Natalie’s decision not to marry? The actress explained that her mother’s divorce when she was young left a lasting impact on her. “My mum got divorced when I was very young. I think my world shattered when that happened,” Natalie confesses. This experience led her to believe that marriage wasn’t a necessary path for everyone. “I don’t believe people need marriage anymore. A lot of them have children—that’s a marriage in itself,” she adds, explaining that she never felt the need to follow the traditional expectations that others might have for her.

At 50 years old, Natalie admits she spent a lot of time searching for love but eventually realized that being single was what truly worked for her. “I should have just been more single then, rather than find something,” she admits, acknowledging that she’s come to peace with her choices.

On-screen, Moira Dingle’s life couldn’t be more different, as her character faces one challenge after another. Recently, Moira has had to cope with the aftermath of losing Nate, dealing with the pain of his death, and fighting to save her farm from Joe Tate, who is plotting to take it away. “It’s all kicking off,” Natalie teases, as Moira battles to protect her family and land. With tensions mounting, and a possible separation from Cain, the emotional drama surrounding Moira’s character continues to deepen.

Natalie also reflected on how Moira’s experience mirrors her own personal values: “Moira can be a bit crazy, fierce, and protective,” she says. “But she’s a fair woman when it comes to farming and her business. What they’re trying to do to her is awful, it’s really bad. Her hands are tied.” The actress seems to find a bit of herself in Moira’s relentless spirit. Growing up in a farming community near Glasgow, Natalie admits, “I was more of a tomboy. I didn’t get on with girls; I was into playing football.” This sense of strength and determination fuels her portrayal of Moira.

But life hasn’t always been easy for Natalie. She recalls a particularly tough childhood moment when she was bullied by other girls. “I had a bit of a black eye, my lip was bleeding,” she says, recalling a time when her mother had to confront her bully. “My mum said, ‘You’re going to fight her one to one.’” While the confrontation didn’t escalate, it left Natalie with a lasting impression, and she admits, “I was terribly shy and quite sensitive, but I’ve definitely changed. Maybe Moira has helped.”

Despite the challenges, Natalie’s career continues to thrive after 16 years on Emmerdale, where she says she’s “very lucky” to be part of a show that keeps her on her toes. “The Emmerdale pace is fast, and no day is the same. I absolutely thrive on that.”

Fans of Natalie and Moira are in for more emotional twists and turns as Moira’s story continues to unfold. Whether on-screen or in real life, Natalie’s journey shows that personal growth and strength often come from the most difficult experiences