Emmerdale fans ‘convinced’ Moira Dingle doesn’t have alcohol problem – but is seriously ill

Moira Dingle has sparked concern among fans of the ITV soap following erratic outbursts and forgetfulness, but is it just alcohol that is causing change in her character?

Emmerdale fans have been left fearing for Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) as she appears forgetful in recent episodes of the ITV. Life hasn’t been easy for the farmer in recent months after her son Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) was thrown in prison after Samson Dingle (Sam Hall) lied to the police about being stabbed by him.

Last week, Samson was sent to prison for his deceit and Moira couldn’t hide her joy, leaving her husband Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) feeling uneasy. Cain has been on the receiving end of his wife’s outbursts, including one incident when she threw a glass at his head.

Moira’s sharp tongue worsened when she told her struggling son to “man up” after his prison ordeal.

Matty accused his mum of having a lack of empathy as the atmosphere between the two remained tense.

During Thursday’s trip to the village (August 8), Matty and Moira made up but he was soon left concerned when he found his mum asleep on the sofa in the middle of the day.

Moira was confused that she’d fallen asleep and pointed out she hadn’t eaten much food.

She also blamed her long working hours and keeping a clean home for her tiredness as she begged him not to mention it to Cain.

**Moira knocked back a large glass of whisky** (Image: ITV)

Matty agreed to keep Moira’s secret to themselves, but when he later phoned to check up on her – Moira’s secret was confirmed.

“Yes, I have eaten some food and I’m all rested and I feel like a new woman”, she told Matty while secretly pouring a glass of whisky. When she hung up the phone, she took a big gulp and exclaimed: “That’s nice.”

The next day, she appeared frustrated when she couldn’t find some documents. But later on, she couldn’t remember her attitude towards Cain who appeared taken aback by her behaviour.

But despite the soap revealing Moira is turning to alcohol, some viewers are convinced she is showing symptoms of dementia.

**Moira has appeared forgetful in recent Emmerdale episodes** (Image: ITV)

Taking to a Reddit thread, one viewer wrote: “I think Moira has dementia in Emmerdale because she has been forgetting things and her split personality. I worked in a care home looking after dementia patients so can tell.”

A second explained: “I think it is early dementia. Dementia can drag on for a while and maybe the actress is planning on bowing out of Emmerdale but hasn’t confirmed it yet.”

A third predicted: “Brain tumour/dementia/ other brain condition. She is definitely not her usual self. She’s gone straight back to her Glasgy roots by the looks of it.”