In Emmerdale tonight Moira got the news from the doctors she’d been dreading: she has a brain tumour. It took Cain some persuading to be by her side, but eventually he turned up to support her. Phew.
But one person no one had seen is Nate. They think he’s left for Shetland, but there’s a lot of holes in that theory as far as we’re concerned – so where is he?
The aftermath of the fire in Emmerdale tonight
Moira lay in hospital looking anxious (Credit: ITV)
Moira got her diagnosis and Cain grew up
Brooding Cain was back as he headed to the Dingles’ homestead and tried to distract himself from going to the hospital by fixing their van. Sam attempted to talk sense into him, but Cain didn’t want to listen. He said he couldn’t handle it whatever the outcome of Moira’s tests. Grow up, man!
Everyone gave him a talking to insisting he needed to go to Moira’s side. But it was Belle who finally got through. Cain arrived at the hospital just as the specialist was talking Moira through her condition. It turns out she has a brain tumour known as meningioma.
They are discussing treatment options, but there is a possibility of brain surgery, which obviously terrified Moira. Finally though, Cain stepped up to be the husband she deserves and was by her side. Something good comes out of bad, we suppose.
This was the last time anyone saw Nate – when he was talking John (Credit: ITV)
Where is Nate?
With most of his nearest and dearest still shaken by the fire, not a lot of thought has been given to Nate, it seems. Only John seems very certain of where he is and he has told everyone Nate has gone to Shetland – and they all just believe he just upped and left without bothering to say goodbye. Mack then broke the news to Cain that Nate had gone.
So, Nate didn’t say goodbye to Cain and Moira, Tracy, Mack or his beloved daughter Frankie? He’s not answering his phone to anybody? And no one’s seen him since he was with John, clearly in a lot of pain, riled up and going to confront Moira? If this isn’t raising alarm bells in even best friend Mackenzie then we’re done with the lot of them. Clearly he’s not just gone. But we still don’t know exactly where he is…
Belle’s struggle continued
Cain will protect Belle now, phew (Credit: ITV)
Belle found out Cain was a good guy
Scared and concerned, Belle didn’t want to leave Charity’s house. But Charity made her stop hiding away.
Belle did go outside, where she saw Amelia who had another go at her for badmouthing Tom. If we’re honest, it’s a toss-up between Amelia and Tracy as to who is the most annoying person in Emmerdale at the moment.
Belle meanwhile confronted Cain over what he’d done to Tom. Cain denied any wrong doing, clearly he’s been preoccupied with other things. But also he promised Belle he was doing things her way, which was very sweet (now why can’t he give Moira some of that sweet side?!)
Tom did some more lurking
As Belle then turned her panic to where Tom could be lurking (which we all know he’s very good at) he was meeting up with Amelia in the woods.
Turns out he’s not dead or injured and hasn’t actually fled. Instead, he’s biding his time and using Amelia as his spy to get evidence so he can supposedly get a divorce from Belle. Then it’ll be all lovely and he and Amelia can be together and live happily ever after. “I always win, in the end,” he told her.
And so it turns out Amelia really is as thick as two short planks believing he’s a good guy. Sigh.
Kim told Will her horse had been stolen (Credit: ITV)
Will was under pressure in Emmerdale tonight
Are we still bothered by who’s blackmailing Will? Is it just so completely obvious Kim is behind it all that we’ve lost interest?
Well, for anyone who’s still into the storyline, Will discharged himself from hospital and stormed home shouting for Kim. Instead he found a detective in his living room. Will was worried sick and it turned out Kim’s horse Tally has been stolen. She claimed to have put up a good fight, but couldn’t stop them. The police wanted to know if anyone had a grudge against them, but Will, acting shifty, denied it.
As soon as the police had gone, eagle-eyed Kim asked him about his watch and why he wasn’t wearing it. Will spun a story about the horse-napper taking the watch too. Did Kim buy it? Well, she seemed to, all-to-easily if you ask us. More and more this stinks of Kim Tate being behind it all – we mean, exactly how did she know to ask about the watch?
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
John’s sticking around. He’s agreed to hang on at the farm while everything is going on. Stalky sister Victoria is thrilled.
Elsewhere, Ruby was feeling guilty about winding Moira up, knowing the fire wouldn’t have happened if she hadn’t been there. Ruby went to see Moira and was weirdly quite nice and supportive and we’re not sure how comfortable it made us feel.
Meanwhile, Caleb took a mystery call on Ruby’s phone and told the caller he knew who it was and not to call again. He then blocked the number. But later he was clearly preoccupied by it all.
Oh good, more secretive callers, just what Emmerdale, and Caleb for that matter, needs.
Emmerdale tonight told several things we already knew: Moira and Cain survived the barn explosion and we now know what’s wrong with her. But there’s no sign of Nate, who’s believed to have gone to Shetland. Has he though?
Also, Tom is still missing and Belle’s worried sick he’s been hurt by Cain.
Here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale on Thursday September 12.
Moira and Cain rushed out under a burning blanket (Credit: ITV)
Moira is alive – and we know what’s wrong with her!
Behold! Cain and Moira emerged from the barn under the burning blanket having somehow survived that explosion. God knows how.
John then stepped in and got Moira breathing again. And the emergency services finally arrived – about time!
At the hospital, Moira was stable, but Cain wasn’t really interested in going to see her. He has decided things are over and her nearly dying changes nothing. Oh Cain, from hero to zero in just 10 minutes. Chas gave him a talking to though and in he went. Croaking and dazed, Moira wanted to explain herself to her husband, but Cain wouldn’t even hold her hand. He just demanded the truth.
Even in all of this, he was still more concerned about why she kissed Nate. Moira insisted she didn’t know what she was doing – and her fears something was very, very wrong. Still, Cain wasn’t interested – his pigheadedness is getting about as annoying as Tracy right now.
Moira continued to explain her hallucinations of Emma Barton, but it was only when Moira had a seizure in front of him that he finally, finally saw this was serious. The doctor then did a CT scan and we at last know what’s wrong with Moira: she has a mass putting pressure on her brain.
Cain then changed his tune pretty quickly and comforted his wife, insisted she was going nowhere and nothing she had done had been her fault. We don’t like to say we told you so, Cain, but you know, we did. At least he feels remorseful now and is blaming himself for not helping her. But is it too late for sorry?
Nate had supposedly gone to Shetland in Emmerdale tonight (Credit: ITV)
Where is Nate?
Vanessa doesn’t believe Nate would cheat with Moira of all people, but Tracy was adamant Nate did it. She won’t hear him out and insisted they were done. Gosh her wallowing is getting really annoying.
John later mentioned to Tracy that Nate definitely wasn’t there when the barn was burning. He said Nate had already gone to Shetland. Has he though? Has he really? Without so much as an exit scene? Hmm…
Meanwhile, Tracy is now worried Nate will meet someone else in Shetland. So you don’t want him, but you don’t want anyone else to have him? Make up your mind love!
Turns out she wanted a big dramatic goodbye with Nate and is upset she didn’t get it. And there was so much talk between Tracy and Vanessa about how Nate will always be there and he’ll call and send presents and be in Frankie’s life. It was all a bit OTT, hammering home how Nate is fine.
Oh and then Cain told Caleb: “I’ll be lucky if I still have a son.” If all this isn’t signposting Nate’s death, then we don’t know what is! Is there a shock (not shock) coming?
Belle is clearly worried (Credit: ITV)
Tom was still missing in Emmerdale tonight
Vinny comforted Belle who was upset over her situation. She confessed Tom was abusing her and she thought he would have killed her. But Belle was still panicking about whether Cain had hurt Tom.
Meanwhile, Jimmy locked horns with Charity in the pub as he defended his nephew. The battle lines have been drawn and it’s Dingles versus Kings. We know who our money is on…
Amelia confided in Kerry that Belle was spreading lies about Tom. But it was clear Kerry was concerned Amelia had been sucked in. However, she went to the pub and revealed all to Chas, who was shocked. Finally Emmerdale has brought Chas into the storyline – it’s about time!
As Chas blamed herself, everyone is really worried about missing Tom and whether Cain has done him in. So where is Tom?
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
We’d almost forgotten about Will – and so had everyone else, but at the barn fire Chas realised he was missing. Mack located him around the side, unconscious. Mack shouted for help with far more gusto than he’d used about his sister in the previous episode.
Will was taken to hospital where he was hopeful of a reunion with Dawn when she came to see him. But she was just checking he was okay and off she sulked to cut her nose off and spite her face again.
We finally found out more about John – he was an army medic. He was hailed a hero in the pub, but found all the attention uncomfortable. As he had a drink with Aaron, Aaron tried to persuade him to stick around and it’s clear his feelings for his ex’s half-brother run deep.
Emmerdale chef Marlon Dingle could well be in the running for the most-married man in the Dales, if it wasn’t for a certain Bob Hope!
So how many times has he been married? In fact, he’s got five weddings behind him.
Currently in Classic Emmerdale episodes he is in full-wedding planning mode to Donna Windsor – but having dreams about late wife Tricia, which doesn’t bode too well if you ask us!
Meanwhile, in current Emmerdale he is happily (for the most-part) married to Rhona Goskirk.
But who was the real love of his life?
He often looks worried, but is the stalwart of the Dales (Credit: ITV)
Who is Marlon Dingle in Emmerdale?
Fan fave Marlon’s been in the village for so long now we can barely remember a time when Emmerdale existed without him!
He arrived with dad Albert – Zak Dingle’s brother – in a red sports car. Marlon started working in various jobs, even working with Frank Tate for a while.
But it was when he got a job working with Kathy Glover at her wine bar and tea room he found his calling as a chef.
Although he’s a moral, upstanding guy now, he is a Dingle, meaning back in the day he got into his fair share of scrapes and committed some petty crimes. He was even cast out of the Dingle clan at one point after he got Sam beaten up.
Marlon Dingle and his five wives in Emmerdale
Tricia and Marlon were love’s young dream once upon a time (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
1. Tricia Stokes
Marlon was ousted from the tea rooms when Kathy hired chef Carlos Diaz. But by then he was working at the Woolpack and was on his way to meeting first wife, Tricia Stokes.
Marlon and Tricia were clearly made for each other. She was cheeky, kind-hearted and funny. But it wasn’t all plain sailing (when is it ever in Soapland?!) when Tricia agreed to marry Joe Fisher so he could stay in the country with his boyfriend Jason Kirk. the fake marriage caused her and Marlon to split, during which time Marlon dated one Rhona Goskirk. But before long he and Tricia were back together.
This time they made it – even surviving Tricia’s mother, Steph Stokes coming on to her future son-in-law. Tricia and Marlon wed in a surprise ceremony on Valentine’s Day and for a while they were happy.
But when Tricia went off to star in a Bollywood film, Marlon made a very bad move, having a one-night stand with cousin Charity Dingle. Tricia found out and was heartbroken.
She planned to leave the village on New Year’s Eve 2004, but Marlon wrote her a sweet list of all the things he loved about her and she changed her mind.
Just as she was coming back into the pub to tell her husband the good news, though, tragedy struck. In a huge storm, the Woolpack chimney collapsed and Tricia was killed. Marlon had to make the decision to turn off her life-support machine and was left completely heartbroken. Has he ever really got over Tricia? We’re not so sure.
It wasn’t happy ever after for Marlon with Donna (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
2. Donna Windsor
Still grieving Tricia, Marlon grew close to Donna Windsor. Things turned from friendship to love and they started dating. But because Donna was much younger, they took things slowly. Donna’s desire to join the police also didn’t sit well with the Dingle family – for obvious reasons!
When the pair got engaged, both started having doubts about their future. She was caught trying on Tricia’s old wedding dress, which caused Marlon to flip. He then confessed he had been having dreams about Tricia. Donna was seriously concerned they were making a mistake.
But the pair tied the knot and despite some hard times as a couple including caring for Marlon’s cousin Lilith’s children and even hoping to adopt them, and the arrival of Marlon’s dodgy brother, Eli, they remained strong.
Things took a turn however when Donna couldn’t resist her partner PC Ross Kirk – Paddy’s cousin. They had an affair and Marlon and Donna split. They did consider a reunion, but Marlon couldn’t resist drunkenly snogging another cousin – Chas – and he and Donna called it quits for good.
Donna left the village, but returned in 2014 with her daughter, April. Donna was dying of terminal cancer and had brought April home to meet her dad – Marlon. Shocked Marlon soon found himself a full-time dad to April.
Marlon and Laurel look grim in their wedding snap (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
3. Laurel Thomas
Marlon and Laurel had what was deemed an emotional affair when she was married to Ashley Thomas. Given her faith and Ashley’s status as the local vicar, Laurel would not cheat however, and fought her feelings for Marlon despite how much she wanted to be with him.
Marlon and Laurel got married but Laurel’s struggles with alcoholism, just as Marlon was getting to know little April, proved too much for the couple and they split.
Jessie and Marlon surrounded by their friends and family as their surprise wedding (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
4. Jessie Grant
Marlon had a relationship with Carly Hope – Donna’s stepsister – for a while, but Carly left the village with her handsome ex-boyfriend Matt.
Marlon wasn’t single for long when he met son Leo’s headteacher, Jessie Grant. Jessie was still on the rebound from her last relationship, but after a while she and Marlon got together and even married in a surprise Christmas ceremony.
But Jessie’s sons Ellis and Billy, and her ex Al Chapman then turning up, all caused friction. Marlon and Jessie’s marriage just wasn’t strong enough and Jessie left for a new job in Dubai.
Rhona waited at the altar for Marlon, who had been learning to walk again (Credit: ITV)
5. Rhona – first, second and third time!
After their 2001 dalliance, Rhona and Marlon got back together when she returned for good in 2010. However Rhona soon fell for Marlon’s best friend Paddy.
It caused trouble, especially as Rhona was pregnant with Marlon’s baby. But the three of them eventually found a way to co-parent Leo happily.
Paddy cheated on Rhona and they split. She then married evil Pierce Harris and we all know how that ended. She went on to have relationships with Pete Barton and Graham Foster.
But eventually in 2021 she and Marlon rekindled their romance. They were hit by many a hurdle, but seemed to remain strong.Â
Their biggest test came in 2022 when Marlon suffered a stroke. He and Rhona had just proposed to each other when he collapsed at home. The road to recovery was long and tough for the couple, but Rhona stayed by his side throughout and they eventually married in August 2022.
They were again tested when Rhona found out her ex, Gus, had used her frozen embryos to have a baby with his new wife, Lucy. When Lucy died in childbirth, Rhona felt she was the right person to look after the daughter she deemed hers.
A fight with Gus over baby Ivy left her relationship with Marlon in tatters. Thankfully, they came through it and are now focused on their future as a family of five.
A huge explosion ripped through the barn in Emmerdale last night with Cain and Moira still inside – but does Cain die? We don’t think so!
Come on, this is Cain Dingle we’re talking about! The man has more lives than several cats put together. Plus, he’s smack bang in the middle of a huge storyline, so there’s no way they’d just end it there… Or would they?
Moira and Cain were huddled together in the burning barn (Credit: ITV)
Does Cain die in Emmerdale?
So on Wednesday September 11 the barn fire Moira accidentally started when she shot at Ruby Fox-Miligan was still raging on. Mack noticed the smoke and raced over on a quadbike, then John arrived, the emergency services were called and the pair went inside the burning building to try and rescue Moira.
But instead they found injured and barely conscious Ruby and carried her to safety. Mackenzie insisted he hadn’t been able to find Moira due to all the smoke and flames.
Chas, Cain and Caleb raced over to the barn and there was no stopping Cain from rushing in to rescue his wife. He located her and worked to get them out of there. Moira, who thought it was hopeless, told Cain that she loved him.
He wasn’t giving up though, and covering them both with a huge blanket, he tried to lead them out to safety. But before they could get outside, the barn exploded. Those outside including Chas, Mack and John were thrown to the floor and Chas screamed, knowing her brother had almost certainly perished.
Indeed, it doesn’t look at all like anyone could survive that blast. Anyone except Cain Dingle…
Moira and Cain rushed out under a burning blanket (Credit: ITV)
Come on, Cain can’t die in Emmerdale!
It is very clear to us that Cain won’t die. There’s three very good reasons we think he’ll still be alive tonight…
Moira stares as she blacks out again (Credit: ITV)
1. Moira’s storyline needs wrapping up
It’s been clear for all to see that there’s something seriously wrong with Moira. She has been having seizures and hallucinations and lashing out without remembering she’s done it. Cain and co think it’s the menopause, but fans are pretty sure it’s a brain tumour.
But with any diagnosis yet to be given, they can’t kill Cain off in the middle of this storyline, surely?!
Plus, Jeff Hordley told Lorraine during behind-the-scenes filming that there is “more to come” in the aftermath of the fire and seemingly confirmed Cain and Moira will both still be alive.
Tom has been watching Belle in secret (Credit: ITV)
2. Cain needs to take on Tom
Cain has just found out about his sister Belle’s abuse at the hands of Tom King. There is no way Emmerdale would deny us a showdown between the pair, it’s what we’ve been waiting for.
Although Belle has insisted she doesn’t want Cain to lash out in violence, he at the very least has to make Tom suffer somehow – even if that’s just being by Belle’s side and defending her every step of the way.
Cain cannot die with Tom still getting away with it!
3. He’s Cain Dingle!
This is not the first fire Cain has survived. He was pulled out of a garage fire started by Adam Barton. And he has had so many brushes with death there’s too much to mention!
But his lucky escapes have included a brain aneurism, being attacked and left for dead by his father, Zak, a car smash involving Al and an attack by Aaron Dingle.
Cain always comes out on top and we have no reason to think any different this time. Or at least we hope we don’t!
Emmerdale usually airs weeknights on ITV at 7.30pm.
Classic Emmerdale usually airs every weekday on ITV3 at 6am and 6.30am, plus 1.40pm and 2.10pm.
Visit our Facebook page@emmerdaleinsider for all the latest Emmerdale news, gossip and spoilers and let us know what you think!
In Emmerdale tonight it looked like Cain and Moira had perished when the barn exploded with them still inside. Is there any way they can make it out alive? Surely this can’t be the end for the soap power couple…
The barn fire continued in Emmerdale tonight…
Mack and John fought their way through the flames (Credit: ITV)
John and Mack rushed to save the day
Moira came round and tried to rouse Ruby, who was out cold. Then she found out locking the barn from the inside hadn’t been her smartest move as she couldn’t get out.
Meanwhile, Mack saw smoke coming from the barn and raced over there on his quad bike. John also arrived swiftly and took charge of the situation. Mack called the emergency services, with a serious lack of urgency in his voice, it has to be said – come on man, your sister’s in a burning barn!
Elsewhere, Chas was trying to get through to Cain with them all still thinking Moira was going through the menopause. For crying out loud, clearly there’s something much more seriously wrong with Moira! Then they got the call that the barn was on fire and they needed to go, fast.
Cain and Chas looked panicked as they raced towards the burning barn (Credit: ITV)
Cain raced in to save Moira
In the burning barn, John and Mack had located Ruby. They managed to get her out just as Cain, Chas, Caleb and Will arrived. But with no sign of Moira, Cain raced into the burning barn to save his wife. The one he had declared things were over with.
He found Moira and she told him she loved him. They then got themselves under a blanket as Cain tried to lead them to safety.
Cue some very dramatic music that sounded a bit like the Casualty theme tune, as they tried to get out and then the barn exploded. With no sign of either Moira or Cain outside.
Thrown to the ground by the explosion, Chas screeched: “Caaaaaaiiiinnnn,” as she knew her brother had quite possibly perished.
But this is Moira and Cain, they aren’t gonna go like this, are they? Surely we need to find out what’s wrong with her and have a glorious reunion? Then again, there’s really no way anyone inside could survive that explosion… We’ll just have to leave it to the greatest hospital on earth, Hotton General, to work their magic.
And by the way, what’s taking the emergency services so long?!
Tom continued to manipulate in Emmerdale tonight
Tom always seems to get the upper hand (Credit: ITV)
Rhona and Vanessa took action
Rhona told Vanessa Tom has been abusing Belle. Rhona felt awful she didn’t spot the signs, but Vanessa was more concerned with getting rid of him. They agreed he was gone.
Tom arrived and overheard Vanessa and Rhona slagging him off. But Vanessa was pretty upfront about it, telling him they wanted him gone for good. Tom threatened them with an unfair dismissal case as they didn’t have any evidence, but they stood their ground. However they were left feeling shaky after Tom’s reaction.
Jimmy then found Tom brooding and caught a glimpse of his temper as he snapped at him. Is Jimmy finally seeing what his nephew is really like?
Nope!
Obviously Tom managed to manipulate him again to his side. Great. Good one Jimmy, you idiot.
Amelia stood by her man
Elsewhere, Belle went to visit Amelia to try and talk some sense into her. But Amelia stood firm and then Jimmy arrived and said Tom had disappeared. Charity and Belle begged Amelia to see sense, but Jimmy continued to side with Tom and Amelia decided to believe him instead.
And then they all started to worry Cain had dealt with Tom. They needn’t have, though, he was far too preoccupied with a burning barn.
Will Taylor decided to face his blackmailer in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Will was packing the money for the blackmailer, when Kim walked in. He lied to her he was going to try the new gym in Hotton. But she got very seductive and suggested they found another way to burn off his energy. He shrugged her off saying they needed to take things slowly as it was too important to him. Hmm, was that a wise move? Do you turn Kim Tate’s advances down and live to tell the tale?
As Will then arrived at the blackmailer’s meeting point, he saw Caleb who told him about the fire. Will rushed off to help. And missed his meeting with his tormentor. Which he will surely live to regret.
Meanwhile, hypocrite Tracy was upset over Nate and Moira and said she should have known he would never change. Er, hello pot, this is kettle. Anyone else getting really fed up of Tracy being so self-righteous?
As Moira fights for her life in a barn fire in Emmerdale it’s clear there’s something really wrong with her, but what?
On-screen, Moira and the other Dingles seem to think she’s going through the menopause and that’s what’s causing her strange behaviour. That certainly seems to fit with what a lot of viewers think too. The overriding fan theory, however, is that she has a brain tumour.
But with Emmerdale keeping tight-lipped over what’s really wrong with Moira, two more theories have emerged over what it could be. And one suggests John Sugden is behind the whole thing!
Moira looks blank in Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)
Moira’s strange behaviour in Emmerdale
The farmer has been acting odd for a while now. It started when her son, Matty, was falsely imprisoned and she began taking her anger out on Cain. She has been downright nasty to him, belittling him, throwing things at him and even slapping him.
When she’s not behaving aggressively towards her husband, she is all over him, seducing him and flirting heavily.
She also lashed out at Matty, telling him to ‘man-up’. And she seemingly made a pass at stepson Nate as well as dishing out a Glasgow Kiss to Ruby.
Despite all of this, no one has realised there’s something seriously wrong with her, just putting it down the menopause. Cain was convinced she’d cheated with Nate and ended their marriage, unwilling to listen to her explanations.
Moira Dingle and Ruby Fox-Miligan fought over the gun (Credit: ITV)
So what’s really wrong with Moira in Emmerdale?
Although the most popular theory is that Moira has a brain tumour, one fan suggested another idea:
“I read where it’s the Sugden guy who has been drugging her and Mack as he’s their long-lost half-brother out for revenge and not a Sugden at all,” they said.
Interesting!
John Sugden arrived in the Dales last month as the long-lost half-brother of Victoria Sugden. But could that be a trick and actually he’s a Boyd?
Another fan thought it could all be down to PTSD. Last night (Monday September 10), Moira hallucinated Emma Barton, who she killed years ago. Is that coming back to haunt her now?
The fan wrote: “I think it’s non epileptic panic disorder she’s got because of PTSD.”
Someone else then went on to explain what that is: “It is basically a severe form of PTSD, where [they] goes into trance like episodes, [they have] no idea who anyone is around [them],.”
They continued: “[They] can get violent, very strong, but above all scared and completely taken over by all of the trauma. These episodes last for about 3-7 minutes, and [there is] absolutely no recollection of the episode afterwards.”
But is either of these the cause of Moira’s troubles? And when will we find out exactly what is?!
In Emmerdale tonight a fire broke out in the barn Moira and Ruby were arguing in. But as Moira’s behaviour gets stranger and stranger, it’s time for Emmerdale to answer our questions over what is wrong.
Let’s just hope they don’t kill her off in the blaze before we find out!
Here’s everything that went down in Emmerdale on Monday September 9.
Cain was not impressed by the news (Credit: ITV)
Caleb broke up Cain’s marriage
As Cain tried to talk to Moira, she wasn’t really interested in Belle’s plight, she was more concerned about Nate’s strops and a fox in the barn.
Caleb then broke the news to Cain that he’d seen Moira and Nate kissing – and it seemed like he was watching something different to us because he made it sound like a full on pash rather than a moment of confusion.
But Cain went home to confront Moira and wouldn’t listen to her explanation. She called him paranoid and ridiculous and stormed off. Although she’s the one acting strangely, in this instance we agree with her – Caleb’s clearly stirring the pot for no real reason.
Caleb later told Nate he’d seen everything and then told Tracy what had happened for good measure.
Really, we were absolutely watching something else, because we saw no kiss. Just a weird moment of what seemed like Moira being a bit dizzy and confused. Maybe we didn’t have a great camera angle…
Nate was knocked down (Credit: ITV)
Bad day for Nate as Cain beat him up and Tracy dumped him
Cain decided to speak with his fists anyway, beating Nate to a pulp. Nate was begging him to listen and believe him, but Cain told him he was no son of his and he’d be happy if he never saw him again. Foreshadowing there, we wonder?
Tracy also wasn’t impressed and told him everything had changed and he could go to Shetland on his own. Five minutes before she was telling Vanessa being with Nate was like ‘coming home’, but apparently she likes breaking up with her home a lot.
Seeming to totally forget her affair with Caleb ended the marriage in the first place, Tracy gave him five minutes to say goodbye to Frankie and then kicked him out.
Meanwhile, Cain was still fuming with Moira and called her a slag. She then lost it and slapped him, to which he told her they were done. NOOOOOOO. Hear us now, Emmerdale, do not split Moira and Cain up.
As he stormed out, Moira grabbed her head and muttered “what’s going on?” – that’s exactly what we’d like to know, too.
Moira thought she was hearing Emma Barton (Credit: ITV)
She grabbed her shotgun, and locked them in the barn. When she fired a warning shot, it flamed with petrol she had spilled in the hay and a fire sparked. She then knocked Ruby out and saw blood coming from her head as the blaze took hold.
Moira was too dazed to act (Credit: ITV)
But dazed and confused Moira couldn’t move and just went into spaced out mode again. Will either of them survive the blaze? Nate is on his way to see Moira, will he perish as he tries to rescue them? Can Cain forgive his wife? Will we ever find out what’s wrong with Moira?
Tom’s still lurking
Tom’s lurking again, breaking into the house to remove the cameras. Even Jimmy accused him of skulking. But Tom turned the tables and told Jimmy Belle was telling everyone he hit her. He manipulated and lied and there was a slight flicker from Jimmy that he might believe Belle.
But then he ruined it and started supporting Tom again, even confronting Belle on the street. However, Cain the saviour stepped in and frightened Jimmy away – not before Rhona had heard everything though. So whose side will she take?
The Barton family in Emmerdale burst onto our screens in 2009. The brood were the brainchild of the then executive producer Gavin Blyth, who wanted to overhaul the show by bringing in a sexy, modern farming family.
The Bartons were originally a five piece, made up of farmer John, his wife Moira and their three teenage children – Holly, Adam and Hannah.
Four years later saw the arrival of John’s older brother James Barton, and his three sons, Pete, Ross and Finn. And then along came James’s former wife, Emma – who definitely brought the drama with her.
Like the ill-fated King family, the Bartons rank up there with Emmerdale’s most cursed clans. Half of them are now six feet under and only Moira and Matty (formerly Hannah) remain in the village flying the Barton flag.
Here’s a breakdown of who is (or was) who in the brood and their major moments.
The most glam farmer around, Moira! (Credit: ITV)
Moira Dingle – nee Barton, matriarch of the family in Emmerdale
Moira, played by Natalie J Robb, is one of Emmerdale’s most popular characters.
She came to the village in July 2009, when she and husband John purchased Butlers Farm from the newly-divorced Andy Sugden.
Moira and John were childhood sweethearts. They’d married young and had three teenage children – son Adam and daughters Holly and Hannah (who later transitioned to Matty).
On the outside, the Bartons were a solid couple. However, it wasn’t long before Moira found herself unable to resist the charms of a certain Cain Dingle.
Their affair ended Moira’s marriage to John, who then sadly perished in a car crash.
After John’s untimely death, Moira reunited with Cain and went on to marry him in 2014.
Two years later Moira’s world was shattered when daughter Holly died from a heroin overdose.
Happiness followed in 2017 when she gave birth to Cain’s son Isaac. But his arrival came as something of a shock to Moira, who didn’t realise she was pregnant.
Moira and Cain’s marriage has survived betrayals on both sides but they remain one of soap’s most popular partnerships.
The original head of the Barton family (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
John Barton
John Barton, played by James Thornton, was Moira’s first husband. A farmer by trade, John was a loyal and hardworking man who always tried to put his family first.
John had an older brother called James, but the pair fell out after James bedded Moira. Moira strayed again with Cain Dingle, which broke John’s heart and led him to end their marriage.
The couple came close to a reunion, but fate dealt them a cruel blow when John was killed in a car crash.
Holly’s addiction saw her meet a tragic end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Holly Barton
Holly Barton, played by Sophie Powles, was Moira and John’s first-born child.
The party-loving schoolgirl was the most unruly of the Barton kids. After a brief fling with a still-closeted Aaron Dingle, Holly began dabbling with cocaine.
Her recreational drug use spiraled into an uncontrollable heroin addiction, which saw her resorting to theft and prostitution to fund her habit. Moira and John took action and forced Holly to go cold turkey. But the trauma of her dad’s death caused her to relapse.
After eventually getting clean Holly moved to London with her sister Hannah in 2012.
She returned four years later on the run from a drug dealer.
Sadly Holly couldn’t beat her addiction and suffered a fatal overdose in September 2016. The character’s death, which wasn’t announced before transmission, has gone down as one of Emmerdale’s most dramatic exits.
He could come back… (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Adam Barton
Adam Barton, played by Adam Thomas, is the son of Moira and her late brother-in-law James. He didn’t discover the identity of his biological dad until he was in his twenties, and had always assumed he was the son of John.
A down to earth cheeky chap, Adam struck up a bromance with Aaron Dingle, which endured throughout his time in the village.
Adam married Victoria Sugden in 2015. However, his fertility problems meant the couple were unable to have children.
The character left the village in 2018 after admitting to the murder of his aunt Emma Barton, to protect his mum Moira, who was the real killer. After ‘confessing’ to the crime, Adam decided to go on the run and escaped in a shipping container.
Now divorced from Vic, Adam remains a fugitive and is living abroad somewhere.
Things have been hard for Matty this year (Credit: ITV)
Matty Barton
Matty Barton – formerly known as Hannah – is Moira and John’s youngest child.
The character, who has been played by Ash Palmisciano since 2018, identified as female during his early years in the village.
As a teenager, Matty was shy and had a string of short-lived flings with unsuitable lads. After flunking his A-levels, Matty went to live in London with his sister Holly.
During his time there, Hannah transitioned to male and changed his name to Matty.
He returned to Emmerdale in 2018 and underwent top surgery the following year.
Matty got his happy ever after in 2024 when he married long term girlfriend Amy Wyatt.
However a stint in prison earlier this year has changed him for good. In a male prison, forced to hide his trans secret, Matty, who was innocent, found life very hard. He even arranged for his cellmate to beat him up as he felt safer in hospital than inside.
James met a miserable end (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
James Barton and his family in Emmerdale
Fellow farmer and single dad James Barton, played by Bill Ward, set up home in village in October 2013. He was the brother of John Barton and father of Pete, Ross, Finn and Adam Barton (who was originally thought to be John’s son).
James and John had been close growing up, but became estranged after James slept with John’s wife Moira – which later transpired had resulted in her conceiving Adam.
James raised his sons Pete, Ross and Finn alone after ex-wife Emma walked out on them.
He started a romance with Woolpack landlady Chas Dingle, but she dumped him after Emma returned on the scene and schemed her way back into James’s affections.
James’s fate was sealed when he started to grow closer to Moira again. Jealous Emma held him hostage, and when he tried to escape her clutches she pushed him off a bridge. This started a chain of events that led to the Hotton Bypass Crash.
Miraculously, James survived the fall, but succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
James’s wife was unhinged (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Emma Barton
Emma Barton, played by Gillian Kearney, was the unhinged former wife of James Barton. She was also mum to his three sons, Pete, Ross and Finn.
The character had a complicated and messy backstory.
As a young mother, Emma had been gripped by postnatal depression and terrified of her husband James’s closeness to sister-in-law, Moira.
Pushed to the edge, she attempted to suffocate her middle son, Ross with a pillow – which was witnessed by his older brother, Pete. Emma had then fled, abandoning her family and wasn’t heard from for more than 20 years.
Two decades later, Emma was tracked down by her youngest lad, Finn and came to live in the village. She eventually reconciled with all her boys and got back together with ex-husband, James.
But Emma was unable to get over the revelation that James had fathered a child with Moira.
After making it look as if James’s fall was an accident, Emma got away with murder for 10 months until Finn found out the truth and she unintentionally shot him dead.
Emma met her own grisly end when she was pushed off a viaduct by sister-in-law Moira in a storyline dubbed ‘Who Killed Emma Barton?’
Love hasn’t always been lucky for Pete (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Pete Barton
Pete Barton, played by Anthony Quinlan, is the eldest son of the late James and Emma Barton and probably best remembered for his rivalry with brother Ross.
On the day of his wedding to Debbie Dingle, Pete discovered she’d been sleeping with Ross behind his back. But before he could do anything a helicopter crashed into their venue!
In the aftermath, Pete believed he’d killed Ross and drove his body to the woods, where he dumped him. Ross was later revealed to be alive, and Pete and Debbie got their marriage annulled.
Pete also had a short stint in prison after he assaulted Ross.
After failed romances with Tracy Robinson, Rhona Goskirk and making a pass at his Auntie Moira (ick!), Pete left the village in February 2020 to go and live with Ross in Liverpool.
An acid attack changed Ross’ life forever (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Ross Barton
Ross Barton is the bad boy middle son of the late James and Emma Barton.
He was a hugely popular character and actor Michael Parr won numerous awards for his portrayal of the Dales bad lad.
The stereotypical black sheep of the family, Ross preferred to play by his own rules. Ross was initially characterised as a criminal. His first appearance saw him hijacking Laurel Thomas’s car.
But underneath that hard man exterior was a soft centre, which was shown during his romance with cancer-stricken Donna Windsor.
Ross had an eye for the ladies – he bedded Charity Dingle (which resulted in her getting pregnant with Moses) and also had an affair with her daughter Debbie.
After enduring the loss of his father James, Ross faced his darkest hour in 2018 when he was scarred for life in a targeted acid attack.
Later that year, Ross decided he was done with the Dales and left to start a new life with his girlfriend Rebecca White and her son Sebastian.
Shot by his own mother (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
Tragic Finn Barton in Emmerdale
Finn Barton was Pete and Emma’s youngest son and little brother to Ross and Pete.
The character was played by Joe Gill.
Studious, and far more sensible than both his brothers, Finn had just finished a degree in economics when he arrived in the village. With big plans to travel in Asia, Finn took on a job as a cleaner at The Grange B&B to earn money.
Finn was openly gay, but didn’t have much luck with men. One particular date, Brad, spiked his drink, which resulted in Finn ending up in hospital.
He was besties with Victoria Sugden, and they made a pact to marry if they both reached 30 and were still single.
In 2015, Finn tracked down his estranged mum Emma and forgave her for running out on them when he was a baby.
Unfortunately his decision to allow Emma back into his life proved to be fatal one.
Finn died in 2017 after being accidentally shot by Emma.
He was taken to hospital but suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away, aged just 25.
Emmerdale tonight brought out the Cain Dingle we love oh so much when he supported Belle after learning the truth about his abuse. As our heart rate recovers from his mad, bad, brooding, but melt-in-the-middle demeanour, here’s everything that happened in Emmerdale tonight.
Anyway, that picture of domestic bliss aside, Belle felt relieved, but admitted she was worried about telling Cain. Charity agreed to do it for her, insisting she needn’t worry because Moira is the violent one these days! True story.
Charity then arranged a secret meeting with Cain and prefixed what she was about to tell him with the sentence: “We can’t kill him.” When a Dingle says that, they really mean business. Of course Cain was fired up and immediately flew out of his seat ready to hurt Tom “and the rest”. But Charity talked him down and he calmed slightly.
But before too long, Cain couldn’t contain his anger any more and stormed out, despite Charity screaming at him to stop. However it turned out he wasn’t off to confront Tom, he went straight to Belle, took her in his arms and said: “We believe you and we love you.”
And that moment just cemented our love for Cain all over again. Swoon.
Back in the bosom of her family, we finally felt Belle was somewhat safe again. Cain told her they would go to the police when she was ready.
Tom saw Cain leaving Charity’s with Belle on the doorstep and he knew. He realised he was caught out and she had told them everything. So what will his next move be? He’s not going to give up without a fight, so how will he regain control of this situation?
Tom is manipulating Amelia now (Credit: ITV)
Amelia fawned over Tom and it was not pretty
Elsewhere, Tom revealed it was his birthday as flirty Amelia supped on wine and tried to seduce him. She then attempted to organise a birthday party for him, but no one would attend.
He manipulated Amelia saying her plans had made him feel even more rejected, sucking her even further under his spell.
Kerry then had a mother/daughter chat with Amelia – telling her she had a thing for rescuing lost lads. Kerry’s not really one to talk about taste in men, but she does have a point. However she sort of spoiled it by saying they can’t even get free vet care out of it because they don’t have a pet.
Angry Amelia told her to support her or butt out of her life, leaving Kerry with no choice. But we wouldn’t like to be Tom when Kerry realises what he’s really like.
We need answers over Moira now (Credit: ITV)
For the love of God, tell us what’s wrong with Moira!
Caleb wanted Moira to give Ruby an apology, but she was adamant Ruby was flirting with Cain. Nate defended Moira, but Mack was not on his sister’s side.
Later, Nate and Moira shared a hug, but she had a moment of weirdness which he thought was her trying to kiss him. She later insisted she wasn’t, however, he shouted at her quite aggressively and stormed off. It was all rather confusing – for us and for Moira. And honestly, we’re struggling to care much about Nate’s temper tantrums.
Also, Caleb witnessed their ‘moment’, immediately told Ruby and now we fear it’s all going to kick off. That will then be the focus instead of finding out what the hell is wrong with Moira. It’s dragging now, give us some answers, please, we’re bored.
Nate and Tracy decided to leave in Emmerdale tonight – yay!
Nate confessed to Mack he’d kissed Tracy and had all the feels and didn’t know what to do. Mack, who was keen for him to stay, told him to talk to Tracy. This was the same advice Moira gave him, and not to state the obvious, it seems like the right thing to do.
Then after Moira’s weird kiss-not-kiss moment, Nate stormed off and told Tracy he was leaving for Shetland. But that he wanted her to come with him. She told him they wanted the same thing and led him upstairs. So is that an exit for both of them, then? Is Tracy leaving Emmerdale too? We wouldn’t be overly sad to see it…
Am I bovvered? Er, yes, Aaron, clearly you are (Credit: ITV)
Also in Emmerdale tonight…
Aaron was doing a very bad job at pretending he wasn’t bothered that John was packing up and leaving. John himself seemed slightly bothered, but not enough that he was going to stay or anything. Are they really over?
Let’s talk about the new and improved Cain and Charity in Emmerdale. In their almost 25 years on screen they have arguably become two of the most developed characters in Soapland. But do they belong together?
During Friday night’s episode (September 6) they came together to support Belle after discovering her abuse at the hands of husband Tom. And there was something in their body language that made us think, finally, after all these years, this could be their time.
Sure, they’re both married to other people – and we’ve always shipped Moira and Cain for life, but with Moira’s weird behaviour, have they finally reached the end of the line?
Are they meant to be? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)
The history of Cain and Charity in Emmerdale
Sit tight, there’s a lot of history between these two. So much so you could write a book and several sequels!
The second cousins had a fling when they were 14 and 13, which resulted in the birth of their daughter, Debbie in October 1989. She was then given up for adoption.
Debbie came to live in the village in the Christmas of 2002 when she was fostered by Paddy Kirk and his then-wife, Emily. She reconnected with her birth parents and the trio formed a close bond.
The return of their daughter prompted Cain and Charity to give things another go. They were together until 2005, when Charity ditched Cain – and the village – for a new life elsewhere.
She returned four years later. The pair got back together and Cain proposed in December 2009. He gave Charity with a plastic engagement ring – who says romance is dead?!
Cain then planned a surprise wedding. But Charity decided she wasn’t ready to settle down and called their engagement off.
The pair finally called it quits shortly afterwards when Cain strayed with glamorous Faye Lamb and Charity left him for Jai Sharma.
Since then there’s been a few cheeky liaisons – including a brief affair in 2016.
Cain and Charity work well together now (Credit: ITV)
Cain and Charity now
Instead of a romantic attraction, the pair have settled into being the Dingle equivalent of best friends. Cain was the one who supported Charity when her own abuser DI Bails died. And he was the one there for her when she suffered PTSD after killing Harry at Christmas.
Now, they are supporting each other to help Belle cope with what’s she been through at Tom’s hands. And there was a moment tonight, just a fleeting one, where Charity and Cain locked eyes and there was a frisson of something there.
With Cain’s marriage Moira under pressure and Charity’s marriage to Mack – well, the less said about that the better – is now the time to reunite these two for good?
Are they really soulmates? (Credit: ITV)
Should Cain and Charity get back together in Emmerdale?
The Emmerdale Insider team are definitely torn on this one! Cain and Moira were meant to be together, but can they weather this latest storm?
Cain has been very sweet with Ella (Credit: ITV)
Kaggie Hyland, Editor-In-Chief
“I’d like to see Cain with Ella. I think there’s a level of understanding and shared experience (sort of…) there that would be interesting to explore further. Also, underneath the tough shell she’s needed to build, Ella is such a broken bird still – in a way that Charity nor Moira are – although they clearly have their own vulnerabilities still. I’d like to see him really needed – and deep down I think Cain needs to be needed by a strong woman.
“Mostly, though – in previous scenes, the chemistry between Jeff Hordley and Paula Lane is great!!”
Carena Crawford, Managing Editor
“I have never, ever liked Charity and Cain together. But there’s something about them now, their reckless schemes, plots and one-upmanship days are behind them, they’re both mature and calmer and somehow it feels like it might work. I’ve always backed Cain and Moira, but it really seems like they’re done. Don’t get me wrong, I want them to work it out, but right now it feels like there’s more of an emotional understanding between Cain and Charity.”
Tamzin Meyer, Assistant Editor
“Cain should be with Moira, they’re an iconic Emmerdale couple. But, he actually needs to step up and be a good husband when his wife needs him the most!”
Coira for life? (Credit: ITV)
Kerry Barrett, Soap Writer
“I have always been a Coira fan but I think he has really let her down recently.”
