Nicollette Sheridan - Nicollette Sheridan's Desperate Housewives Trial Underway

Sheridan filed a $20 million (£12.5 million) lawsuit against Cherry in 2010, alleging he slapped her in the face after she expressed an opinion about a script he had written, and then killed off her character when she complained to producers.

The star, who played sexy real estate dealer Edit Britt in the series, also sued over claims of sexual and gender harassment and assault, although those accusations were later dropped.

She is now seeking compensation for wrongful termination and battery and is entitled to receive only one year's salary in damages, amounting up to around $4 million (£2.5 million), according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Sheridan's legal representatives are planning to call a number of top TV executives to testify in the case, including one of the show's former producers, Lori Kirkland Baker, who has previously supported the actress' version of events.

Meanwhile, Sheridan will come face-to-face with her former Desperate Housewives co-stars Marcia Cross, Teri Hatcher, Felicity Huffman and Eva Longoria when they are called as witnesses for the defence.

The trial is expected to last just under two weeks.