Moira Dingle (Natalie J Robb) received very important news regarding her brain tumour in tonight’s episode of Emmerdale.
After Moira was diagnosed with a tumour, she decided she wouldn’t accept the offer of brain surgery. Ultimately, this was due to Moira’s fears surrounding the operation and the aftermath that would follow.
Moira changed her mind regarding the surgery when she had a seizure in front of young son Isaac (Bobby Dunsmuir). She told Cain (Jeff Hordley) that she hates the fact Isaac and Kyle (Huey Quinn) have to witness her being so unwell, and would go under the knife for them.
Since that conversation, Moira’s life has changed a great deal. She’s taken a step back from her work on the farm after accidentally killing a flock of sheep, and has slowly come to accept that she cannot be left alone for very long in case she has another seizure.
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At the start of tonight’s episode, Moira was frying some bacon for breakfast. She was also on the phone to Cain, who had been in Scotland visiting Debbie (Charley Webb) and Zak (Steve Halliwell).
As Matty (Ash Palmsiciano) entered, he tried his best to not make Moira feel smothered, but couldn’t help keep an eye on her as she stood near the hot pan.
Once Moira got off the phone, she attempted to continue making the food, but then experienced a seizure.
As a result of how distant she became, Moira burnt her hand on the pan.
Very quickly, Matty sat his mum down and set about cooling the wound.
Moments later, Moira received another phone call. This time, Cain wasn’t on the other end, her doctor was, who confirmed a slot is now available so Moira can have the brain surgery.
This was huge news. Overwhelmed with emotion, Moira was hesitant when Matty suggested she should tell Cain.
Moira didn’t want to bother Cain while he was seeing his dad. She then got another shock when he walked through the door, announcing that he wanted to return home early and surprise her.
Emmerdale cast pay tribute to Steve Halliwell and Zak Dingle
Cain Dingle star Jeff Hordley reflects on filming the funeral episode:
‘There’s really poignant moments in it. And whilst we were filming, we were all focused and giving the script everything it needed. But off camera as well – and Steve would have enjoyed this, because Steve always liked to have a giggle behind the camera – whilst we weren’t rolling, we made sure we had some laughs as well.
‘Because when we do get together as a group, we do make sure that it’s fun to film. What I’m trying to say is that the mood wasn’t just downbeat, we were making sure that we were having a laugh, and Steve wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.’
Mandy Dingle actress Lisa Riley said:
‘The best part for us, as the Dingle family, was the way that this went through production. From Laura (Shaw), our producer, who’s known us for years, grown up with us, and then Peter Kerry who has written the script, who was part of the development team of the Dingles all those years ago. Finally, Jeff Naylor, our director, directed Steve Halliwell and Zak’s first ever episode! So you’ve got all that thrown in the mix, it’s so nostalgic! So for us, as a family, it was obviously the biggest blessing and we’re so happy that it all happened in this way.’
‘Also, when you think of Steve Halliwell and the character of Zak, you always think of his love of music. So the team has brilliantly incorporated his music into this episode. Zak’s love of music and the nostalgia are all there for the viewers to see.’
Lucy Pargeter aka Chas Dingle:
‘Working with Steve was like the fun of being in nursery every single day. I can’t remember any day that was serious or any day that he ever flew off the handle or was angry about anything. It never felt like a work day with Steve, it was just like having your head teacher in your classroom and they just say ‘let’s all have fun!”’
Sam Dingle star James Hooton:
‘I have so many brilliant memories of Zak. I used to like the really silly, unbelievable stuff that we did back in the 90s. One memory is of a crying Elvis doll that the Dingles tried to convince people was like a crying Mary Magdalene sort of thing. It was a doll that they’d stolen from a second-hand clothes shop and they were using it to make money.
‘Another hilarious story that springs to mind is when they tried to send Butch into orbit, the most unbelievable storyline at that time but we always tried to do it with pathos and believability. It used to make us laugh so much that sometimes it became difficult to get through a scene.’
Belle Dingle star Eden Taylor-Draper reflects:
‘Steve, to me, was the funniest man ever! He was a really weird combination of a father figure, best friend, a standup comedian and a counsellor. He was everything. It really feels like he lives on because all of us have traits of his; our sense of humour or things we bond over, so everyday when we are together, it feels like Steve is still part of the conversation or moment.’
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The couple had a catch up, but Moira failed to tell Cain about the update. As he left the kitchen to grab a shower, Moira received yet anothercall.
This time, on the other end was Debbie.
Just as Cain returned, he grew curious by Moira’s sudden change in mood.
Completely devastated, Moira then told Cain that his dad Zak Dingle has died.
