What's up with Moira? Moira looking cross next to a Moira looking shocked and annoyed
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What’s wrong with Moira Dingle? 5 theories on why she’s acting so strangely from menopause to a brain tumour

But are any of the fan theories the truth about what’s causing Moira’s odd behaviour?

Kerry Barrett

ByKerry Barrett

13th August 2024, 12:43

Moira Dingle has been acting very strangely lately. She’s aggressive, saying some awful things to her family – especially husband Cain, she threw a glass at the wall, fell asleep during the day and strangest of all, she doesn’t seem to remember any of these incidents properly.

So what’s going on?!

Well, it won’t surprise you to know that the Emmerdale fans have been busy coming up with some ideas about what’s up with Moira Dingle.

And we reckon they’re all pretty plausible.

Here’s our round-up of the best theories about what’s up with Moira.

Moira looks annoyed as she lashes out in Emmerdale tonight
Could Moira be developing dementia? (Credit: ITV)

1. Dementia

Moira’s forgetfulness could be symptoms of dementia, some fans believe. It’s definitely up there among the theories with legs, but let’s not forget Emmerdale have done a high-profile dementia storyline before. Ashley Thomas’s struggle with vascular dementia was less than ten years ago. Would they really repeat a similar storyline so soon?

Moira confronts the Dingles over Samson’s travel plans
Is Moira’s aggression a symptom of menopause? (Credit: ITV)

2. Menopause

Since Davina McCall tackled the topic, it seems everyone’s talking about menopause. Emmerdale has already taken on one female hormones story with teenage Cathy Hope’s Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. And Bernice’s menopause was also covered in recent years. But it’s definitely something to think about.

We can’t help thinking though that Moira’s symptoms are so extreme that instead of raising awareness about the menopause, such a storyline could end up terrifying every woman over a certain age!

Moira smiles as she touches Cain's face in Emmerdale
Moira is suffering from extreme mood swings (Credit: ITV)

3. Brain tumour

Tragic Lola Pearce lost her life to an aggressive brain tumour in EastEnders last year earning praise from viewers for the performances the actors involved gave. Could Emmerdale bosses be hoping for a similarly successful story if Moira is seriously ill?

“She had a very dazed look about her on Thursday’s episode,” one concerned fan pointed out. And they added: “Her mood is very erratic.”

Moira looks incredulous as she takes a sip of coffee in Emmerdale
Is it really tea in that mug, Moira? (Credit: ITV)

4. Is too much booze what’s wrong with Moira in Emmerdale?

Moira’s been hitting the bottle hard recently, leading some viewers to be convinced she’s got a drinking problem.

“The way she’s been knocking back the scotch lately I’d say it’s obvious,” said one confident fan.

But could Moira’s drinking be a symptom rather than a cause? Is she on the booze as a way of coping with something else?

Adam Barton on the phone looking worried
If Moira’s ill, could Adam return to the village? (Credit: ITV/Shutterstock)

5. Is Adam returning?

This is a bit of a cheat as it’s not a reason for Moira’s odd behaviour, but it could be a silver lining to Moira’s cloud! Could her struggle with whatever she’s battling bring her son back to the village? Let’s hope so!

Though, Adam returning could see Moira banged up for killing Emma Barton, so perhaps it wouldn’t be a good thing for him to come back after all!

What do you think is wrong with Moira? Let us know your theories!

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.

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