Denise Welch has teased details of her forthcoming role in Emmerdale.
Last month, it was announced that the actor and Loose Women star would appear in the ITV soap in a special role that coincides with the conclusion of the Tom King and Belle Dingle storyline.
Welch appears in two episodes this coming week, including Thursday's hour-special, playing Heidi, a juror involved in Tom's court case.
Talking of her role ahead of the episodes, she revealed she "thoroughly enjoyed" filming what is an "important" episode of Emmerdale.
Related: Emmerdale's Belle King receives more bad news over trial
"Like many, I've been gripped by the Belle and Tom storyline, so to play a head juror in the story's culmination was an honour," she said.
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"Parts of the script were taken from real-life cases, and the charity Refuge were involved in the research," she continued. "My character Heidi was more emotionally involved, so I felt that maybe she had experienced some form of domestic abuse herself."
Welch is one of three special guest stars involved in the trial storyline, with Casualty's Charles Dale and Coronation Street's Jack Ellis also starring.
Related: Emmerdale's Eden Taylor-Draper addresses end of Belle and Tom story
"To share the jury scenes with Charlie Dale and Jack Ellis and also to see lots of my Emmerdale mates made it a job to remember," she added.
Welch's role coincides with Loose Women's 'Facing it Together' campaign launched this year, which aims to highlight all forms of abuse, including coercive control.
As such, the panellist noted that the role was a good fit for her, with "the subject matter one I'm passionate about".
Tom is on trial after being charged with coercive controlling behaviour and the assault of his wife Belle, though his manipulation continues as he attempts to evade justice by intimidating her away from testifying.
This isn't Welch's first venture into soap, with the actor previously having roles in Coronation Street, EastEnders, Hollyoaks and Holby City.
In November, it was reported that Welch will return to Waterloo Road to reprise her role as French teacher Steph Haydock.
Emmerdale airs on weeknights at 7.30pm on ITV1, and streams on ITVX.
Read more Emmerdale spoilers on our dedicated homepage
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.
