Emmerdale star Natalie J. Robb has bravely shared details about a recent health scare. The actress, known for her role as Moira Dingle, revealed that she discovered a lump in her breast last year. Fortunately, it turned out to be a false alarm, but the experience was undeniably frightening.
In an interview with The Mirror, Natalie recounted, “I found a lump in my right breast, and it was quite scary. I went to the doctor, who was actually more concerned about a lump in my left breast, which I couldn’t even feel as it was higher up. I went into overdrive, and had to undergo a mammogram. Thankfully, it was just a benign cyst.”
She acknowledged how such experiences can shift one’s perspective on health, leading her to focus on staying as healthy and fit as possible.
Natalie’s character, Moira, is currently dealing with her own health crisis in the show, having suffered a seizure earlier this week. Natalie explained that when she learned about this storyline, she saw it as an opportunity to raise awareness. “Soaps can play a significant role in highlighting various health issues,” she said, referencing the show’s portrayal of Chas’s cancer diagnosis earlier this year.
“As an actress on a soap, you often find yourself at the mercy of the writers regarding your character’s fate. But it’s crucial to address serious illnesses to help viewers feel less isolated,” Natalie added. She admitted she would be terrified if she experienced seizures without understanding why they were happening.
Natalie revealed that portraying Moira’s seizures has been both challenging and a great responsibility. She has been working closely with a specialist to accurately depict the condition. “I’ve received invaluable advice on showing the subtle visual signs of seizures,” she noted. “It’s important to convey how much it affects a person, how exhausting it is, and the confusion that follows.”
Her dedication to this role reflects her empathy and commitment to bringing awareness to such health issues, and she expressed her heartfelt support for those experiencing similar challenges.