Emmerdale has revealed a new crisis for Moira Dingle, as the future of Butler’s Farm hangs in the balance following her 16-year reign in charge.

Moira is continuing to face the consequences of the recent slurry leak on her land – and things are about to get much worse with yet another financial penalty.

In tonight’s episode, Moira receives a visit from Noel McHughs – a boss at the water company, who wants to update her on the appeal she lodged against the fine she’d been given.

Moira had been hoping for a reprieve after submitting evidence that the leak was an accident. She’s backed up by her nephew Ross, who warns Noel that the news “better be good”.

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Noel replies: “Alas not. I’m sorry to inform you, your appeal was turned down. The panel still felt you had a duty to keep your slurry store secure.

“The environmental damage was severe, several people fell ill, a child was hospitalised.

“It gets worse, I’m afraid. You’ve been ordered to pay costs for the clean-up, plus legal fees.”

A flabbergasted Moira asks: “So I’m paying for my own prosecution?”

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Moira is given a schedule to pay off her various fines in instalments, but it’s unclear how she’ll be able to come up with the money as the farm is already struggling.

Her latest woes come just as Kim Tate is hoping to buy up Butler’s, with the promise that Moira can stay on as a tenant farmer.

So, could Moira now be forced to strike a deal with the devil to save herself?

Claire King, who plays Kim, recently told us: “She’s been buying land bit by bit whenever it comes up, but she comes across a stumbling block with Annie’s Field, which she obviously tried to buy from Robert recently.

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“Kim is interested in getting Butler’s Farm as well, which could be interesting. Kim and Moira are not the best of mates.”

Discussing the wider implications for the village, Claire added: “Caleb has always been a threat and Kim knows this in the back of her mind. She did let him have a piece of land but she basically calls it a vegetable patch, so she’s not too worried as far as the land is concerned!

“But if he sides with Moira as a half-Dingle, half-Tate – which he will do, as he’ll do anything to go against Kim – then that could be dangerous and there will be gang warfare.

“Kim also keeps going on about legacy and I keep saying to Laura Shaw, the show’s producer: ‘Is she dying?’ Let’s hope not!”