Natalie J Robb reveals childhood trauma behind her decision not to marry: 'My world shattered'
The Moira Dingle actress opened upEmmerdale star Natalie J Robb has opened up on her personal life, insisting there is a big reason behind her decision to remain single and it all goes back to her childhood.
Natalie, 51, plays Moira Dingle on the ITV soap. Currently she and on-screen husband Cain have hit crisis point in their marriage. He is facing life-changing surgery for cancer and they are not sure if their relationship can survive the trauma.
Off-screen however Natalie is happily single. Despite a past relationship with co-star Johnny McPherson (Liam Cavanagh), the actress has never settled down and got married herself.
Emmerdale star Natalie J Robb on why she has never married
In an interview with The Mirror in July 2025, Natalie revealed there is a personal reason behind her decision not to wed.
“I’ve never been one for marriage. My mum got divorced when I was very young. I think my world shattered when that happened,” she said.
“But I don’t believe people need marriage anymore. A lot of them have children – that’s a marriage in itself.
“I’m 50 now, 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.”
Off-screen romance
In 2020 it was revealed Natalie was dating her co-star Jonny McPherson (Liam Cavanagh). They had even moved in together during lockdown. However, things eventually ended between them and it’s not been known if Natalie has had a partner since.
Natalie does not have children either, but is a devoted dog mum. In February 2024 her beloved pooch Bronson died. And Natalie confessed she has “never felt grief like it.”
Despite that pain she is now mum to new puppy, Buddy, and she admitted she’s happy that way: “I just love the companionship of an animal.”
Moira Dingle on-screen
It might only be April, but Moira Dingle has had a hell of a 2026 already. She has spent most of it in prison for double murder and people trafficking.
Of course viewers knew she was innocent and had been set up by Joe Tate. But while she fought the charges worse was happening on the outside as her husband Cain was diagnosed with prostate cancer and she also lost her beloved farm to Joe and Kim.
Now Moira is out adjusting to her new life has been difficult. She’s living at the cramped Dingle abode, the new Dingle farm is barely up and running and her marriage to Cain is at rock bottom.
He is convinced she will leave him after he has his cancer surgery as he may be left unable to perform in the bedroom. Every time they try to talk it ends in an argument. Can they find a way to make things work?
Read more: Who’s leaving Emmerdale? All the cast exits, arrivals and returns
