'Housewives' Sheridan lawsuit going to trial

A judge has ruled that Nicollette Sheridan has a strong enough case against ABC and Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry to warrant a full trial by jury.

Sheridan filed a lawsuit against both parties in April last year, claiming that her Desperate Housewives contract had been wrongfully terminated, and that Cherry had struck her when she complained about the decision to axe her character Edie Britt.

According to the Associated Press, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Allen White dismissed Sheridan's claims of sexual harassment and assault, but has allowed the actress to seek damages for wrongful termination, battery and unlawful retaliation.

"It's clear to the court that this is something that needs to go to a jury," White said, when reading out the decision.

ABC claims that the decision to cut Sheridan's character was simply a cost-cutting measure that had been decided well in advance of her argument with Cherry; however, Sheridan cites her character's midseason exit as evidence against this.

"I'm very happy that I'm being treated fairly," Sheridan said, following the judge's decision.

The case will now begin officially in court on June 8.