Natalie J Robb has been a familiar face on British TV since childhood. From her early days in Take the High Road to her long-running role as Moira Dingle in Emmerdale, she’s lived much of her life under the glare of public attention. Now, at 50, she says she finally feels settled, calm, and happy in her own skin.

Embracing Life After 50

For years, Natalie worried about her looks, her weight, and her choices—both personal and professional. Turning 50, however, has given her a new perspective.

“I feel happier and calmer in myself,” she explained. “When you’re younger, you’re always looking for acceptance, trying to keep up. Now I don’t feel the need to adjust to things I don’t want to.”

Natalie admitted that she used to look at old photos and be overly critical, only to realize years later that her younger self had nothing to worry about. “Someone sent me a bikini photo, and back then I thought I was overweight. I wasn’t. Now, I don’t think like that anymore. At least I’ve made it to 50, and hopefully many years to come.”

A Career Built on Determination

Born in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Natalie has rarely been off TV screens. Her credits span Taggart, The Bill, Dream Team, Waterloo Road, Doctors, and Coronation Street. But it’s her role as Moira in Emmerdale, which she’s played since 2009, that made her a household name.

Reflecting on her career, she said: “When I was younger, I was always chasing the next thing. But now I live in the present. People ask me if I’ll leave Emmerdale, but I don’t think like that. If things change, I’ll deal with it.”

Love Life Takes a Back Seat

Single and content, Natalie admits she spent years prioritizing work over relationships. These days, she’s not focused on chasing love.

“Since I turned 50, I’m not that bothered about a relationship,” she said with her signature raspy laugh. “Society tells you from a young age to chase that fairytale life, but it doesn’t exist for everyone. I’m happy with myself. If something happens, it happens. If not, that’s okay too.”

Instead, she’s channeling her energy into caring for Buddy, her Spanish Mastin rescue puppy.

Healing Through a New Companion

Natalie’s bond with Buddy grew after the heartbreaking loss of her beloved dog Bronson, a Japanese Akita-Rottweiler cross who had been by her side for 13 years.

“Losing him was the hardest thing in the world. He was my baby. It was heart-wrenching,” she said. “I’d go home after work and sob, because I was still going through the motions of feeding and walking him, but he wasn’t there.”

Three months later, Natalie had a vivid dream of a blond dog who told her he’d been sent by Bronson to protect her. Not long after, she came across Buddy on a rescue feed — a puppy with the exact same face as the dog in her dream.

“I wasn’t ready, but I inquired, and four months later I had him. Now he looks exactly like the dog in my dream. I don’t know what to make of it, but it feels very special.”

Supporting Farmers, On and Off Screen

Though she won’t be joining her co-stars Lawrence Robb, Lisa Riley, and Mark Charnock at the Great Scone Palace Challenge later this month, Natalie is proud of their efforts to raise funds for the Royal Scottish Agricultural Benevolent Institution (RSABI).

“Farmers need our support,” she explained. “They work long, isolating hours in all weather, and many face financial and mental health struggles. It would be great if Emmerdale had an organization like that for Moira, because she’s struggling too.”

On-screen, Moira is under immense pressure. She has dealt with serious health issues, a slurry leak scandal, and mounting financial woes that are forcing her to consider selling Butlers Farm — something she never wanted.

“She wants the farm to be her children’s legacy,” Natalie said. “She’s overwhelmed, but she’s fighting on, bless her.”

Living in the Present

Natalie’s outlook is one of gratitude and acceptance. Whether she’s filming dramatic storylines in Emmerdale, enjoying time in Scotland with family, or walking Buddy near her Leeds home, she’s focused on appreciating the moment.

“I think 50 is a nice age,” she said. “You don’t have to try so hard anymore. You’ve got wisdom, and you know what you don’t need to adjust to. I’m living in the now, and that feels good.”