Moira Dingle’s health is at the core of concerns in Emmerdale – but news of Zak’s death will prompt her to make a huge and devastating decision.

The feisty farmer portrayed by Natalie J Robb was diagnosed with a brain tumour in recent scenes aired over on ITV, leaving viewers of the Yorkshire-based programme concerned for her future in the Dales. Upon her diagnosis, Moira was told she would have to live with her symptoms before eventually going through an operation.

In recent weeks, Moira has thus gone on with her life normally but her day-to-day has been frequently interrupted by shocking seizures and the farmer is sometimes not aware her actions can result in catastrophe as she even accidentally killed her son Isaac’s sheep.

However, in scenes due to air next week, news from Scotland leave the Dingles heartbroken as the late Steve Halliwell will get an on-screen tribute from his former co-stars, months after his death – and Moira will make a decision about her health.

News of Zak Dingle leaves the village in mourning – and Moira makes a big decision ( 
Image:
ITV)

Coming up next week, Moira has a seizure while cooking breakfast but things appear to be working in her favour when she receives news of an available operation slot the following day. Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), who left the Dales to meet Zak Dingle in Scotland after hearing the latter’s health was also on the line, returns home unexpectedly – but Moira avoids telling him about her operation news.

Cain then goes for a shower while Moira answers a call from his daughter Debbie Dingle, who is also in Scotland. But devastation awaits, as on the other end of the line as Debbie reveals the tragic news Zak has passed away, leaving Cain to alert the rest of the family.

The bereft Dingles take comfort in being with each other later on, as news of Zak’s death ripples throughout the village. Soon enough, Cain finds himself with his brother Sam (James Hooton) and the pair find Belle (Eden Taylor-Draper) outside. The trio reminisce about their father, shaken by his passing.

Villagers gather on Main Street to wave Sam and Cain off as both brothers poignantly leave for Scotland again to bring Zak home to the eponymous village. Meanwhile, Chas (Lucy Pargeter) mourns for Zak in the Woolpack with another handful of villagers. Elsewhere, however, Matty Barton (Ash Palmisciano) questions his mother Moira’s decision to delay her operation. Will Cain find out?

Mandy Dingle star Lisa Riley told ITV viewers the Emmerdale cast were working on a tribute episode for Zak Dingle actor Steve Halliwell, who passed away in December, 2023, at 77. Steve portrayed Dingle patriarch Zak for less than 30 years, starting off his stint in the Dales back in 1994.