HORROR for THIS Home and Away favourite as the past comes back to HAUNT them

Bella Nixon bravely faces her attacker in court, but will it be enough to get Irene Roberts off the hook?

Today's Home and Away sees brave Bella Nixon take to the stand once again in court to try and get justice for Irene Roberts.

Soap fans will know that Irene is currently standing trial for attacking rapist Tommy after she arrived home a few months ago to find him sexually abusing teenage Bella.

Home and Away, Bella Nixon — Bella was sickened to see Tommy in court yesterday (Picture: Channel 5)

But despite the fact she saved Bella, Irene has found herself in trouble for lashing out at Tommy and is now facing a hefty prison sentence if she can't prove that she is the victim in all of this.

Yesterday's trip to Summer Bay saw Bella's big brother Colby Thorne lash out in court as she recounted exactly what Tommy did to her on that fateful day back in the summer, and today's episode (6pm, see our TV guide for full listings) sees Colby stuck outside the court room having been thrown out by the guards.

Home and Away, Colby Thorne — There was chaos in court when Colby saw red yesterday (Picture: Channel 5)

However Bella and Irene are soon allowed to go home after the court has been adjourned... and Bella is horrified to realise that she is going to have to go back in the stand for another gilling the following day.

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While Bella isn't sure if she has got the strength to go through facing Tommy again in court, Willow manages to talk her around and she heads back in the next day with a fresh determination.

To make things even better, Leah has drummed up support from Irene's local survivors group and Bella and Irene are buoyed when they see they have so much support on their side.

And the extra boost clearly works, because in the stand Bella is clear, concise and tells the jury exactly what sort of man Tommy is, leaving everyone on Irene's team thrilled.

As everyone arrives home after a day in court, Bella is on could nine having faced her greatest fear, while Irene is full of positivity that she might actually avoid prison.

Home and Away, Tommy, Teresa — Has Bella managed to persuade the jury that Irene is innocent? (Picture: Channel 5)

But when Leah later sees angry messages on her blog from women who are threatening the judge if Irene isn't found innocent, everyone soon starts to worry that this could go against Irene's favour.

Could these women inadvertently land the Summer Bay legend in jail after all?

Watch Home and Away every weekday at 1.15pm and 6pm on Channel 5

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Claire is Assistant Managing Editor at What To Watch and has been a journalist for over 15 years, writing about everything from soaps and TV to beauty, entertainment, and even the Royal Family. After starting her career at a soap magazine, she ended up staying for 13 years, and over that time she’s pulled pints in the Rovers Return, sung karaoke in the Emmerdale village hall, taken a stroll around Albert Square, and visited Summer Bay Surf Club in sunny Australia.

After learning some tricks of the trade at websites Digital Spy, Entertainment Daily, and Woman & Home, Claire landed a role at What’s On TV and whattowatch.com writing about all things TV and film, with a particular love for Aussie soaps, Strictly Come Dancing and Bake Off.

She’s interviewed everyone from June Brown — AKA Dot Cotton — to Michelle Keegan, swapped cooking tips with baking legend Mary Berry backstage at the NTAs, and danced the night away with soap stars at countless awards bashes. There’s not a lot she doesn’t know about soaps and TV and can be very handy when a soapy question comes up in a pub quiz!

As well as all things soap-related, Claire also loves running, spa breaks, days out with her kids, and getting lost in a good book.