EastEnders fans still remember Cheryl Fergison for playing Heather Trott, but her real life has taken turns far tougher than anything the show ever wrote for her. She’s opened up again, this time through her book Behind the Scenes, talking honestly about money worries, illness, survival and the pressure to keep going when everything feels heavy. Keep scrolling to know more.
Cheryl Talks About Hard Times
Many times, the media has been talking about Cheryl Ferguson. But it is not always that her name was associated with positive things. Recently, she was trolled for selling old clothes at a car boot sale. And she exclaimed that she and her son Alex were only clearing out things. Moreover, they priced it only to get rid of everything and to keep the day simple.
She also chatted with many people at the sale. And she recalled that one woman from a refuge said that she had read Cheryl’s book. And the woman also told her how much it meant. After this, Cheryl gave them clothes for free. It’s because she understood what it felt like to start again with almost nothing. However, she still cherished those memories despite the media writing a cruel version of the event.
Elsewhere, before doing the BBC soap, Cheryl used to live in a women’s refugee camp with young Alex. It’s because she felt unsafe with her ex-husband. And then she slowly returned to acting. She did small roles in shows like Casualty and Doctor Who. After this, she landed her role in Albert Square in 2007.
After playing with Heather, her life changed completely. Moreover, the mystery of Heather’s baby was a huge moment in the soap. And viewers loved the character. However, in 2012, her character was killed off. Moreover, the storyline with Ben Mitchell brought an emotional end. Elsewhere, she joined Celebrity Big Brother. However, once she left the house, she learnt that her accountant had defrauded her and other clients. After this, she faced a huge tax bill and debt.
EastEnders’ Cheryl’s Difficult Phase And Her Journey
In March 2024, things took another ugly turn. She was in such a dire financial situation that she had to struggle to feed herself and her dog. However, she had a stroke at the beginning of the year. And due to which she couldn’t walk. Then the Stroke Association helped her with food and utilities.
Elsewhere, she has learnt to ignore online hate. She even said that acots need tough skin. It’s because rejection comes with the job. And she doesn’t let trolls drain her. Moreover, she has new work coming next year. And she performs at her friend’s restaurant, hosting karaoke nights and New Year’s events.
Cheryl has only one rule, which she applies to everything. She frequently asks herself if her cup is half full or half empty. The answer she gives is simple. She feels thankful that she still has a cup. For more EastEnders spoilers and updates, keep following Soap Opera Daily.