Emmerdale spoilers follow from Wednesday's episode (December 18), 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 has confirmed that Belle King will testify against her evil husband Tom at his domestic abuse trial.
Belle shared her decision in the closing moments of Wednesday's episode, much to the relief of her worried family members.
Viewers had seen Belle question whether it was right to give evidence after hearing that Tom had tried to take his own life in prison.
Tom had faked the incident at the jail to manipulate Belle and derail the trial, knowing that the prosecution would struggle to secure a conviction without her testimony.
What to Read Next
Related: Emmerdale star addresses Belle's big Christmas Day surprise
On the morning of the court case, Belle left her family a note before heading out of the Dingle house alone.
Her loved ones were concerned to realise that Belle had gone AWOL and no longer intended to be part of the trial.
Tom's solicitor Ollie was pleased to inform him that Belle hadn't arrived at court, which hugely increased the chances of the trial going in his favour.
However, just as Tom prepared to take centre stage by giving false testimony, Belle arrived at court after all and was ready to bravely expose the truth.
Related: Emmerdale reveals Christmas 2024 stories in 20 new spoiler pictures
As Charity and Cain fretted that Tom was going to "tear her apart" with his bogus claims, Belle arrived and replied: "No, he isn't. It's time for me to tell my story."
Thursday's hour-long trial episode was first announced last month. Show bosses confirmed that the special edition will include real-life stories of domestic abuse survivors.
Show producer Laura Shaw said at the time: "We knew from the outset that Belle would need some sort of closure on Tom and we know our Emmerdale audience always look forward to our villains getting their comeuppance.
"We don't want to spoil the outcome of this story and reveal what will happen to Tom, but needless to say, Belle's going to be in a much better place by this Christmas."
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.
