Denise Welch has appeared in many soaps down the years

Loose Women star and soap legend Denise Welch will soon guest star in Emmerdale as part of a major storyline.

The 66-year-old, who found fame in Coronation Street as barmaid Natalie Barnes, will play Heidi in Emmerdale. The character will be linked to soap villain Tom King as he finally appears in court over his domestic abuse of wife Belle Dingle.

Appearing on Loose Women, discussing her role Denise said: “I’m going to be in Emmerdale.”

She added: “It’s a one-off one hour special and it’s the first time Emmerdale have ever done it. And for those of you who are fans of Emmerdale, there is a very powerful year-long story of domestic abuse. Which of course, appealed to me when I knew I’d be part of it because of our Facing It Together campaign, and this is a culmination of that story.”

Denise continued: “The episode takes place exclusively between the court and the jury and I am one of the heads of the jury called Heidi. Obviously, I can’t say what the outcome is, but it’s a very, very powerful episode and some of the lines are taken from true cases. Refuge have seen it and they’re thrilled with how it’s been depicted so it was incredible to be a part of it, and that’s on I think December 19.”

Landing the role is a career milestone for Denise – who has already appeared in Coronation Street, EastEnders and Hollyoaks.