Emmerdale spoilers follow from Monday's episode (December 16), which is available to watch now on streaming service ITVX but hasn't yet aired on ITV1.
Note: This story discusses topics including suicidal ideation/thoughts.
Emmerdale's Tom King has explained his final cruel plan to manipulate his estranged wife Belle.
The scheming villain was recently charged with assault and coercive behaviour after his year-long abuse of Belle, but he's now on a desperate mission to derail the trial.
With just days to go before the court proceedings begin, it's now unclear whether Belle will be prepared to testify against Tom.
Monday's episode saw a 'code red' declared at the prison following an incident in Tom's cell.
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Related: Emmerdale star responds to Tom's final evil plan
Belle then received a phone call to let her know that Tom had been rushed to hospital after trying to take his own life.
The news left Belle in turmoil as she expressed concern over Tom's mental health and wondered whether her testimony could worsen the situation.
Belle's brother Sam correctly guessed that Tom had faked the incident in a final plan to escape justice, but she wasn't so sure.
Later at the hospital, Tom's solicitor Ollie caught up with him and questioned how genuine the day's events had really been.
Related: Emmerdale's Eden Taylor-Draper addresses end of Belle and Tom story
Hinting at his true intentions, Tom replied: "Of course, there is a chance that something like this might make Belle reconsider her actions.
"It would be hard for her to testify – repeating all of those vicious 'lies', knowing how far it's pushed me.
"Something like this, it could really put things into perspective…"
Related: Emmerdale's Bob Hope left upset in emotional Christmas plot
James Chase, who plays Tom, recently explained: "Tom planned this and knew that he wouldn't be seriously hurting himself.
"Tom believes the more he can mess with Belle's head, the more he can get her in a state of stress and then the less likely she will be able to show up to court.
"If she doesn't go to court, she won't be there to testify. So he hopes he can completely manipulate the jury to an extent where he wins and gets away with everything – I think that is his aim."
Emmerdale will conclude Tom and Belle's story with an hour-long trial episode this Thursday (December 19).
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.
