Cheryl Fergison, best known for her role as Heather Trott on EastEnders, has shared an emotional account of how financial difficulties earlier this year led her to rely on a food bank.
Fergison, 60, who played Heather on the BBC soap from 2007 to 2012, revealed to The Mirror how her life began to spiral after being diagnosed with womb cancer in 2015.
Health Struggles and Mental Health Battle
After her diagnosis, Fergison underwent a hysterectomy, which brought on early menopause and triggered severe mental health issues. She described self-harming behaviours, including scalding herself with boiling water multiple times a day in an attempt to “wash away cancer cells.
Speaking candidly, Fergison said: “I was damaging myself so badly. As soon as I got the all-clear, I stopped doing it. If you’re told you are ill, it’s not just about the physical issue – somehow, you need to figure out what’s going on in your head with it all.”
Financial Difficulties
By February 2024, Fergison said she was “penniless” and struggling to make ends meet. After seeking help from Citizens Advice, she admitted to being unable to afford food and broke down in tears during her visit.
“I sat there and cried and cried,” she said. “How could I have been on EastEnders? How could I have been earning that much money and now I am here? It was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”
Her visit to Citizens Advice led her to a food bank, where she received groceries, dog food, and even a bunch of daffodils. Reflecting on the experience, she said: “That day is one I’ll never forget – and I’ll never forget the people. It felt like the biggest, warmest hug. They were like angels.”
A New Chapter
Now, Fergison says she is in a more positive place and is determined never to return to a food bank. This Christmas, she will appear as the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella in Peterborough, performing alongside her son, Alex, 25, who plays Buttons.
She also expressed her desire to return to television. “I would love to work in another soap. I would love to go on I’m A Celeb. Bring it on.”
Raising Awareness
Fergison hopes her story will inspire others facing financial struggles. “I hope other people can relate to it. I really want to stress that food banks are a service. They’re there for you to use, so please do not feel embarrassed or that it’s a weakness.”
Her message is clear: everyone deserves help in difficult times. “We have a right to live like human beings and do it in a dignified way.”
Fergison’s story is a reminder of the challenges faced by many in the entertainment industry, where fame does not always equate to financial stability. Her candid reflections shed light on the importance of seeking help and breaking the stigma around services like food banks.
