Archers verdict: Helen's fate is revealed in special jury verdict episode of BBC Radio 4 drama

Warning: Spoilers

Timothy Watson and Louiza Patikas play Rob and Helen Titchener in what has been a gripping and at times terrifying Ambridge storyline

The nation breathed a collective sigh of relief after the fate of Helen Titchener was finally revealed in an hour-long special of The Archers which saw the character found not guilty of attempted murder.

The Radio 4 drama has become essential listening after hooking audiences for weeks with the tense plotline after Helen was put on trial for allegedly trying to kill her partner after domestic abuse.

The 60-minute special, the first of its kind in the show's 65-year history, also featured a host of famous faces who took on roles of the jury deliberating in Helen's trial.

Former Archers actor Graham Seed returned to do “jury duty” five years after his character Nigel Pargetter was killed off in 2011.

The former Ambridge favourite was joined by seven other famous faces on the jury including Dame Eileen Atkins, Nigel Havers, Catherine Tate, Skins star Aimee-Ffion Edwards, EastEnders actor Rakhee Thakrar, stage star Tam Williams and Wolfblood actor Cerith Flinn.

The build-up to the final verdict saw the jury members at each other's throats.

Their squabbling saw them unable to reach a unanimous verdict and they sought the advice of Judge Loomis, who advised he would accept a majority verdict of 10 to one.

One of the 12 jurors was dismissed for contempt of court earlier in the week, leaving only 11, of which only eight were heard during Sunday's special episode.

With additional reporting by PA