Who is Emmerdale’s Emma Barton and why did Moira Dingle kill her? Everything you need to know
Moira Dingle has spiralled out of control during this Monday's trip to Emmerdale as she appeared haunted by her memories of Emma Barton. Get the lowdown on their deadly feud.
Soap viewers have grown deeply concerned for Moira Dingle’s well-being but could she be haunted by the murder of Emma Barton?
Theories have been swirling online as Emmerdale viewers have tried to find a reason to explain her recent angry outbursts. But after considering the possibility she could be struggling with a drinking problem, a seizure left them thinking she could be diagnosed with a brain tumour or even early-onset dementia.
Moira’s health ordeal took an even darker turn this Monday (September 9, 2024) when the feisty farmer portrayed by Natalie J Robb lashed out against Ruby Fox-Miligan (played by Beth Cordingly), accidentally setting fire to a barn and reliving her final confrontation with Emma Barton, which ended in the latter’s death.
The late character, played by Gillian Kearney, was mentioned earlier this year when Moira brought comfort to a struggling Charity Dingle (Emma Atkins), who was still reeling in the aftermath of Damon Harris’ death. Here’s everything you need to know about her and her shocking death.
Emma Barton grew increasingly dangerous when her husband James became involved with Moira (
ITV)
Who did Moira Dingle murder and why did she do it?
Moira killed Emma Barton back in 2017. Prior to this, it was revealed that Moira’s son Adam Barton’s biological dad was in fact James Barton and not the latter’s brother John, as he had been led to believe. This meant that Adam gained three siblings Ross, Pete and Finn, whose mum was Emma Barton.
However, in true soap style, James died in 2016 after an unhinged Emma held him hostage due to her jealously over Moira. James attempted to escape from her evil clutches but Emma found him and shoved him off a bridge, which caused a car pile-up involving several of the villagers. James later died in hospital.
Emma eventually got her comeuppance in 2017 as after accidentally killing her son, Finn, she headed to the Hotten Viaduct, where it was later revealed that Moira had pushed the nurse to her death after she had kidnapped her baby, Isaac, and taunted her about being a terrible parent, even suggesting she killed her own daughter, Holly Barton, who tragically died from a drug overdose back in 2016.
Adam took the blame for Emma’s murder to protect his mother Moira – but he was soon broken out of his prison van on the day of his sentencing by his pal Aaron and Cain Dingle (
TV Grab)
Who is Adam and why did he take the blame?
Adam is Moira’s son and he was played by Adam Thomas from his debut in the Yorkshire-based programme in 2009 until his exit, aired nine years later.
Throughout his years in the eponymous village, Adam was caught up in a multitude of dramatic storylines, as he notably befriended troublesome Aaron Dingle and even kept his sexuality a secret after catching him kissing his secret boyfriend Jackson, despite Aaron initially striking up a romance with Adam’s half-sister Holly. The pair shared a long-lasting friendship since.
While he was known to be romantically linked to Victoria Sugden, whom he eventually married in 2015, Adam also bonded with Katie Sugden and Leyla Harding. He also once believed he was the father of Vanessa Woodfield’s son Johnny, until Kirin Kotecha was revealed to be the boy’s biological father.
Adam was eventually told he was infertile, just as he and wife Victoria were trying to build a family, which was enough to convince him to end their marriage. Struggling to cope, he shared one last flirty exchange (and a kiss) with Vanessa before coming to his senses, but Victoria got wind of their cosy moment and put a permanent end to her romance with Adam.
In a bid to save his mother, who had recently welcomed son Isaac, Adam confessed to Emma’s murder in December, 2017, but his best pal Aaron and Cain Dingle ambushed his prison van on the day of his sentencing, and broke him out.
Adam was last seen boarding a cargo ship with a new passport, after convincing a panicked Victoria that he needed to go on the run, and leaving an emotional message for his mother Moira. He has since started afresh in Budapest, Hungary, where he embarked on a new relationship, while actor Adam Thomas moved on to new projects, including a Waterloo Road reboot.
Aaron eventually joined his pal on the run following his husband Robert’s incarceration for killing Lee Posner and Adam was mostly responsible for his friend’s return to the Dales as he called the Dingles out of concern for the spiralling troublemaker.
Moira recently told Charity the truth about Emma Barton’s death (
ITV)
What has Moira said about the murder?
During a trip to Emmerdale aired in January, 2024, Moira admitted that killing Emma had torn her to pieces and it was partner Cain who saved her. Moira explained to Charity that her son, Adam, took the blame for the murder as he was already a prime suspect and didn’t want Isaac to grow up without a mother.
Moira admitted she confessed to the police, telling them everything, but they wouldn’t believe her as they accused her of protecting Adam. Talking about the murder, Moira admitted she just “snapped”, especially when Emma accused her of basically killing her own daughter, Holly, who tragically died from a drug overdose back in 2016.
The crying character admitted that Emma smiled when she was falling, as she knew the act of killing her would torment her for life. Trying to comfort Charity, Moira said she didn’t have to push Emma but Charity had to pull the gun trigger, killing Damon aka “Harry.” But could the mere mention of her crime have caused her breakdown?
