The Dales may be filled with drama, love affairs, and heartbreak, but away from the fictional turmoil of Emmerdale, actress Natalie J Robb—best known as the fierce and determined Moira Dingle—is living a very different life. In a revelation that has stunned fans, Natalie opens up about her decision to remain single, child-free, and happily surrounded by her beloved dogs. For someone who plays one of soap’s most passionate matriarchs, her real-life choices present a surprising twist—one that may just be her most empowering storyline yet.

From Dingle Matriarch to Solo Queen

On-screen, Moira Dingle has battled everything from marital breakdowns and family deaths to farm struggles and shocking betrayals. But Natalie, the woman behind the character, couldn’t be more different when it comes to her personal life. “I don’t have any children—apart from furry animals,” she candidly shares.

Following the loss of her treasured dog Bronson, Natalie recently welcomed a new four-legged companion named Buddy into her life. “Last year in February, I lost Bronson, my best friend. Never felt grief like it. It doesn’t go away,” she says with heartfelt emotion. “Now Buddy won’t stop growing. I just love the companionship of an animal.”

To Natalie, dogs provide something deeper than mere company—they fill the space where many might expect a traditional family. Her honesty about not pursuing marriage or children has sparked admiration. “I’ve never been one for marriage,” she explains. “My mum got divorced when I was very young. I think my world shattered when that happened.”

Redefining Love & Happiness

For Natalie, societal expectations have never dictated her happiness. “I don’t believe people need marriage anymore. A lot of them have children—that’s a marriage in itself,” she reflects. At 50, the actress feels no regret. “I spent a lot of time trying to find love, but it wasn’t the right thing for me. I should have just been more single then, rather than find something.”

While Moira clings fiercely to her relationships on Emmerdale, Natalie has discovered a different form of strength: independence. And yet, the onscreen drama continues to mirror real-world emotional depth. Moira is currently navigating a tumultuous storm, both emotionally and practically.

Moira’s Current Crisis: Tumours, Land Battles & Heartbreak

Back in the village, Moira is still recovering from a brain tumour diagnosis and dealing with the loss of Nate, whose body was recently discovered in a lake. Her pain mirrors past tragedy—like the devastating death of her daughter Holly in 2016.

“Moira knows what it’s like to lose a child, so she knows the pain Cain’s feeling,” Natalie explains. The tension has only grown after whispers spread that Moira tried to kiss Nate before his death, triggering Cain’s violent outburst. “That fight they had… Moira believes she caused it,” Natalie says.

But the trouble doesn’t stop there. Joe Tate has set his sights on Moira’s land, aiming to snatch it and hand it over to Kim Tate. “What they’re trying to do to her is awful,” Natalie laments. “Her hands are tied.”

The possibility of losing Butler’s Farm looms large. “She’s resigned to the idea that they might have to sell,” Natalie shares. “But then Joe spins her lies about being just a tenant farmer. She’s determined to save the farm at all costs.” However, teaming up with Joe—who knows exactly how to provoke Moira—is a risky gamble.

Cain and Sam’s Feud Explodes

Meanwhile, tensions among the Dingles reach new heights. Cain’s temper flares again when he accuses Joe of planting trespassers on the property. This confrontation results in a chaotic altercation—one that inadvertently injures Lydia.

“I go to punch Joe Tate, but as I do that, I punch Lydia in the ear,” Natalie says with a laugh. “It’s very convoluted, but it creates a big rift between Sam and Cain.” The Dingle family, known for their loyalty, now finds itself fracturing under pressure.

Behind the Scenes: Peaceful Bonds & Lifelong Friendships

Despite the dramatic storylines, Natalie’s off-screen life is far more tranquil. Her working relationship with Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle) is built on over a decade of collaboration. “We can work together with our eyes shut,” she reveals warmly.

Their bond allows for seamless chemistry on screen, but Natalie also enjoyed branching out to work with Ned Porteous (Joe Tate). “It’s been talked about for a while—they’ve always wanted this land. They want the land for access. They don’t care about the farm.”

Natalie, who grew up just outside Glasgow, has a strong connection to the storyline involving tenant farming. “I’ve got some farmer friends. They said that’s the way it’s going a lot of the time. They’re making a lot of tenant farmers so they work the land, but don’t own it. It’s really sad.”

A Fighter Since Childhood

Natalie’s no stranger to adversity. Raised in a community where she was one of the only girls, she developed resilience early on. “There were more boys than girls. I didn’t get on with girls. I was into playing football,” she says.

Bullying was also a part of her past. “I was walking home from school one night. I had a bit of a black eye, my lip was bleeding,” she remembers. Her mother’s tough-love response was to confront the situation head-on. “She dragged me to one of the girls’ house and said, ‘You’re going to fight her one to one.’”

It was a defining moment—one that forged the strong spirit fans now see in both Natalie and Moira. “I was terribly shy and quite sensitive,” she reflects. “But I’ve definitely changed. Maybe Moira has helped.”

A Lasting Love for the Dales

Sixteen years into her Emmerdale journey, Natalie is still deeply in love with the show. “I live in the present, but you never know what’s going to come up,” she says. “The Emmerdale pace is fast, and no day is the same. I absolutely thrive on that. I’m very lucky.”

Her portrayal of Moira continues to strike a chord with viewers, especially those who admire her resilience and maternal strength. But Natalie’s real-life narrative is just as compelling—a woman who has chosen a life of authenticity, peace, and self-defined happiness.

And with Buddy by her side, no husband, no kids, but plenty of love, Natalie J Robb proves you don’t need to follow a script to live a fulfilling life—even if your day job is all about drama. ❤️🐾