Denise Welch breaks silence on Emmerdale trial role

“I’ve been gripped by the Belle and Tom storyline

Watch: Emmerdale Soap Scoop! Kim disappears at Christmas

preview for Emmerdale Soap Scoop! Kim disappears at Christmas

Denise Welch has teased details of her forthcoming role in

Last month, it was announced that the actor and Loose Women star would  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.

denise welch playing a juror in a court in emmerdale

“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.

“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.

denise welch playing a juror in a court in emmerdale

“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 king, emmerdale

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 StreetEastEndersHollyoaks and Holby City.

In November, it was reported that Welch will return to Waterloo Road to reprise her role as French teacher Steph Haydock.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *