Emmerdale viewers have been left stunned as Emma Barton’s killer was finally unmasked.

Moira Dingle (Natalie Robb) was revealed as the suspect who pushed Gillian Kearney’s troubled character from a viaduct in flashback footage during Thursday’s helping of the ITV soap.

Fans of the show said they were bowled over by the cast performances as the double-bill looked back over Emma’s final moments, including a dramatic scene with her son Ross (Michael Parr).

The nation saw Moira try to talk Emma down from the ledge, but spotting an opportunity to get back at her rival, Emma goaded Moira into striking out at her. She then smiled as she tumbled through the air.

Praising the actors and writers via Twitter, one person commented: “Moira!!!! What a class show tonight, well done Emmerdale.”

Another gave the glowing review: “OMG @emmerdale that was amazing! The cast were phenomenal – this is why you are the best soap!”

“Emmerdale you deserve all the awards, that acting and episode was one of the best you have ever done,” added another.

Even actor Adam Thomas, whose Emmerdale character Adam Barton is still on the suspects list, tweeted simply: “Mum!!!!!!!”

Fearing the consequences, one said: “A brilliant episode from all involved just hope it doesn’t mean prison for Moira.”

But Robb has assured fans that the reveal does not mean the end for her time on the show. Speaking hours before the episode was broadcast, she said: “(Show bosses) told me that wasn’t the case – if it happened it is in the lap of the gods and there is nothing I can do.

“I have just signed another year, so you have another year of me yet. Robert Sugden has murdered, but he is still here.

“I was quite grateful to be involved with it, to be honest. When they described it to me it hadn’t been written at that point, it was all the twists and turns and curve balls… it was nice to be part of that.”

:: Emmerdale continues on ITV at 7pm on Friday.