Moira Dingle (also Barton) is a fictional character from the British ITV soap opera Emmerdale, played by Natalie J. Robb. The actress successfully auditioned for the role after a call came through her agent. Robb's character and her family were created and introduced to Emmerdale as part of an overhaul of the show by the series producer Gavin Blyth. The Barton family took over the running of Butler's Farm and they were described as being "sexy, modern and contemporary". Robb first appeared as Moira during the episode broadcast on 17 July 2009.

Moira is portrayed as being strong, feisty, vivacious and independent. She is a farmer's wife and very protective of her family, who she always puts first. Robb said being part of a modern-day farming family is what drew her to the role of Moira. Moira's early storylines often revolved around her marriage and her three children. She and her husband John (James Thornton) were childhood sweethearts. Moira managed to balance work and family because she had John's support. Moira's later storylines focused on an affair with Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley), whom she later married after John's death and a casual relationship with farmhand Alex Moss (Kurtis Stacey); the revelation that she had had an affair with John's brother, James (Bill Ward), who was the biological father of her son Adam (Adam Thomas); murdering Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney); an affair with her farmhand Nate Robinson (Jurell Carter), who turned out to be Cain's long-lost son; and being diagnosed with a meningioma brain tumour. For her portrayal of Moira, Robb was nominated for Best Newcomer at the 2010 Inside Soap Awards.

In May 2009, it was announced that Emmerdale's new series producer, Gavin Blyth, would be introducing a new farming family called the Bartons, as part of an ongoing overhaul of the show. The family, which consists of five members – a mother, father, two daughters and a son – took over the running of Butler's Farm. Of the family, Blyth said "I don't want to make Emmerdale a show about teenagers and young people, it's about family values. The Bartons are sexy, modern and contemporary. They're almost happy – and in soapland that's quite strange!" James Thornton was cast in the role of John Barton and Adam Thomas, Sophie Powles and Grace Cassidy were cast as Adam, Holly and Hannah respectively.

Former The Bill actress Natalie J. Robb was cast in the role of John's wife, Moira. Robb said a call went through her agent asking her to audition for the role of Moira. She auditioned with several different actors, including Thornton. Robb's agent later called to tell her she had won the role. Robb explained finding out she had won the part was one of the best bits of the job. The actress said she was looking forward to joining because the Emmerdale team, which she described as "genuine and lovely." She added "Cast and crew have been very welcoming and that always helps. There’s nothing better than being able to really look forward to going into work."

"Moira is strong and feisty but always fair, with a huge heart and great compassion. She won’t take any nonsense from anyone, but has a great sense of fun and a vivacious nature. Although she has her own sense of pride, she’s more able to back down and eat humble pie than her husband, John. She's the glue that keeps her family strongly bonded together."

— itv.com on Moira

Upon announcement of her casting, Moira was described as being a vivacious, fun woman, who puts her family first. Though she values her independence too. The Yorkshire Post described Moira as "Fun-loving and feisty" and said she is guaranteed to cause a stir with the locals. Of Moira, What's on TV said she is a "farmer's wife and looking good on it, Moira Barton is a very down-to-earth woman – and that just adds to her appeal!" Robb said the idea of a modern-day farming family drew her to the role of Moira. She explained the family being a freshness to the Butler's Farm, saying "The Barton’s are very lively and young-spirited and that really appealed to me. There are families out there that do work together and aren’t dysfunctional so the chance to represent one of those groups really drew me to the role." Robb said her character is independent, fun-loving and strong. She loves her family and is very protective of them. Moira keeps them going and coordinates their lives.

During an interview with Inside Soap Robb said she would probably not make a good farmer's wife, unlike Moira. Robb said she is strong and loves animals, but could not send them to slaughter. Moira finds employment as a barmaid at The Woolpack and Robb said she was looking forward to getting behind the bar and pulling a few pints. The Yorkshire Post said her most volatile relationship will be with The Woolpack's chef Marlon Dingle (Mark Charnock). Robb told the paper, "Moira generally gets on with everybody. However, you'll see her and Marlon develop a love-hate relationship, which will be interesting." Robb later thought Moira would warm to Marlon, in between their battles.