Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has provided a candid and heartfelt update on her health, eight months after experiencing a life-altering stroke that significantly impacted her mobility and speech. The beloved actress, renowned for her portrayal of Heather Trott in the long-running BBC soap, appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning, where she was seen leaving the studio with the aid of a walking stick, symbolising what she describes as a 'long process' of rehabilitation.
A Slow but Steady Path to Recovery
Cheryl, now 60 years old, suffered the stroke in May of last year, an event she has previously referred to as 'one of the lowest times in my life'. Speaking openly to hosts Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, she expressed that while progress is slower than she would prefer, she is undeniably moving forward. 'I'm recovering slowly,' Cheryl explained, noting that she feels 'a lot better' than she did initially. 'It's a long process, but my mind is positive now. It wasn't in the beginning, but it is now. I'm happy to be here, to be quite honest.'
Reflecting on Potential Causes
Looking back, Cheryl believes that the cumulative pressures of the acting industry may have played a role in her health crisis. She described the stroke as the result of a gradual build-up of stress rather than a sudden, unforeseen event. 'My blood pressure was always high. Our industry is renowned for being quite a stressful business; it's kind of feast and famine with us,' she said. 'If you're not worrying about your job and what to do and how to be top of your game, you're worrying about how to survive with money and things like that.'
The Day Everything Changed
Cheryl recalls experiencing a 'terrible headache' just before collapsing on the floor. It was her son Alex, who had previous experience working with elderly individuals, who quickly recognised the warning signs and took immediate action. She was rushed to a hospital in Blackpool, where doctors confirmed she had suffered a stroke. 'It literally changed my life from that day on,' Cheryl said. 'I could speak but couldn't formulate many words in the hospital.'
The stroke affected the entire right side of her body, leaving her unable to walk. 'My right side, which is still quite heavy, wasn't working at all. I couldn't walk, and over these months, slowly but surely, at my own pace and with the help of all my stroke team and with the Stroke Association, who have been brilliant, I'm here and making a full recovery.'
A Year of Intensity and Reflection
Cheryl also reflected on the incredibly demanding year leading up to the stroke, which included celebrating her 60th birthday and writing her autobiography. 'Once I left EastEnders, I thought, "Right, I need to start losing some weight here". I'd lost about two stone, which was quite good,' she said. Now, she is using her personal experience to encourage others to prioritise their health, urging fans to 'start thinking' about managing stress levels if they aspire to lead long and healthy lives.
Returning to the Stage with Renewed Purpose
Despite the profound challenges she has faced, Cheryl is not stepping away from the industry she adores. She revealed exciting news about her upcoming return to the stage in a new play titled Living the Life of Riley, which is scheduled to tour the UK next month. 'I'm going to do the thing I love the most and be in my industry again and I am so thrilled to be doing it,' she said with evident enthusiasm.
This resilience is not new for Cheryl, who previously battled womb cancer in 2015. During that difficult period, the late EastEnders legend Barbara Windsor generously assisted with covering her medical bills and living expenses. Now, nearly a year on from her stroke, Cheryl is embracing a day-by-day approach, expressing gratitude for her continued progress and a steadfast determination to keep moving forward with her life and career.
