Emmerdale stars Kurtis Stacey and Natalie J Robb have both been discussing their characters’ forthcoming steamy age-gap affair – they of course play the roles of Alex Moss and Moira Barton – and how it’s thwarted by the return to the village of Moira’s son Adam, who is of course also Alex’s best mate.

Starting with Kurtis, he told the PA that although his character Alex is 16 years younger than Moira, he doesn’t think anything of the age gap.

He said, “I don’t believe it’s a cougar situation. I believe they actually like each other.

“Alex isn’t looking at her age, he’s not even thinking about that. He’s just thinking ‘I like this woman. Oh, she likes me!’

“And then when they get it on age wasn’t even a factor. It was just something that was there.

“It was just pure attraction. It’s not about age, it’s not a fantasy for Alex…”

And of the scenes in which Moira and Alex get hot under the collar, Kurtis said, “It’s really passionate. We’ve made it a lot more serious, as much as possible, so people will see these people like each other.

“It’s not just a one off. It’s something that I’d like them to always look at and remember. It won’t just blow over.”

Meanwhile, while speaking to Soaplife about the storyline, Natalie confirmed that the relationship between Moira and Alex would be entirely physical, and lacking in emotion.

However, she also revealed that when Moira’s son Adam (Adam Thomas) returns to the farm – he has been away on a holiday – things between Moira and Adam have to quieten down considerably.

She said, “Once Adam is back, Alex’s attitude changes a bit. He begins to see the consequences of it while Moira still thinks it’s just a bit of fun.

“She doesn’t think anyone will ever find out.”

And when asked if Alex is in some way a replacement for Moira’s dead husband John, Natalie said, “In no way at all is Alex a replacement for John.

“In a way, the fact he’s so much younger and it can’t possibly go anywhere is the reason she’s able to do it. It’s fun and the sex is good.”

Well, we’ll get to see proof of that when Moira and Alex finally give in to their passion on Friday, August 10.

Filthy beasts