Natalie J. Robb warns viewers to brace for impact as Celia Daniels’ dark empire explodes across the Dales

Celia’s Web of Crime Unravels

Emmerdale’s most dangerous villain is tightening her grip—and Moira Dingle is about to face the full force of it.

Actress Natalie J. Robb, who has played Moira since 2009, has revealed that “a lot of Celia damage” is coming to the village, hinting that the fallout from her character’s business dealings with Celia Daniels is far from over.

Recent episodes confirmed that Celia is not just a fraudster—she’s the mastermind behind a modern slavery operation, manipulating vulnerable people into forced labor, including Bear Wolf and possibly others.

From Slurry Crisis to a Criminal Empire

Moira’s descent into Celia’s world began innocently. After suffering financially due to a slurry tank disaster—caused by John Sugden—she struck a deal with Celia to keep her farm afloat. But now, the truth is surfacing fast.

Celia forged Moira’s signature on turkey invoices, siphoning funds into her own criminal operation. When Moira confronts her, Celia manages to twist the truth, flipping the narrative and painting herself as the victim.

A furious Moira slaps Celia in a rare public outburst—but instead of feeling vindicated, she’s rattled. Could she now face legal consequences while the true villain walks free?

Natalie Robb Teases What’s Coming

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Robb teased a turbulent road ahead for her character:

“There’s going to be a lot of Celia damage… that’s going to take time to repair, if at all.”

That ominous warning suggests Moira may be pulled even deeper into the web of deceit, with devastating consequences for her business, her family—and possibly her freedom.

Robb also praised her co-star Jaye Griffiths, who plays Celia:

“She’s great to work with—and she loves playing a baddie. Oh, she really loves playing a baddie. It’s just been so much fun.”

The Slavery Plot Grows Darker

Alongside fraud, Celia’s criminal reach is expanding. The standalone episode featuring Bear Wolf revealed that Celia and her adopted son Ray are orchestrating a human trafficking operation. Bear has been brainwashed into thinking his family abandoned him, and he’s now working under their control.

With Moira unknowingly connected to Celia’s dark enterprise, her next move could make or break the entire operation.