Emmerdale spoilers follow.
Note: This story discusses topics including suicidal ideation/thoughts.
Emmerdale has released first-look pictures showing some special guests in Tom King's trial episodes.
Tom faces court over his evil abuse of his wife Belle later this month – and some familiar faces will be keeping a close eye on proceedings.
Former Coronation Street star Denise Welch, ex-Bad Girls actor Jack Ellis and former Casualty cast member Charles Dale have all signed up to play jurors in the storyline.
They're taking on the roles of Heidi, Kenneth and Karl respectively.
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In the build-up to the trial, Tom's desperation to avoid a jail sentence reaches new heights. Belle and her loved ones are shocked when they learn that Tom has been admitted to hospital after attempting to take his own life.
Tom fakes the incident in the hope of being deemed unfit to stand trial, but his plan goes wrong when the authorities rule that the case should proceed as planned.
Despite this, Belle becomes uncomfortable with the thought of testifying against Tom if he's genuinely struggling with his mental health. Feeling troubled, she does a disappearing act ahead of the trial.
Related: Emmerdale to bring back past character for Amelia's exit
Belle's loved ones are warned that the case against Tom could fall apart if she doesn't testify, much to their alarm.
Shortly before proceedings begin, Tom's solicitor Ollie informs him that Belle hasn't turned up, leaving the villain pleased that things seem to be going his way.
As the jury gathers, Tom is triumphant as he prepares to tell a pack of lies. Will Heidi, Kenneth, Karl and the other jurors be fooled? And will Belle stay away or turn up at the eleventh hour?
Emmerdale airs these scenes on Thursday, December 19 on ITV1 and ITVX. You can also check out our collection of 22 spoiler pictures from these episodes.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
We encourage anyone who identifies with the topics raised in this article to reach out. Information about how to access support is available via the NHS, and organisations who can offer help include Samaritans on 116 123 or Mind on 0300 123 3393.
Readers in the US are encouraged to visit mentalhealth.gov or the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk), New Beginnings Peer Support (www.newbeginningspeersupport.com) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.
