An EastEnders legend has opened up about her experience suffering from a stroke, which has left her walking with a stick.
Cheryl Fergison, who played the role of Heather Trott on the BBC soap opera, faced the medical emergency in May.
EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison opens up about stroke
Remembering the ordeal, the 59-year-old said: "I went to bed but couldn't settle.
"When I got up in the night to go to the bathroom, my balance completely went and I had to stop myself from falling over. My whole right side felt numb, heavy and tingly."
Speaking with the Mirror, she added: "You lose the ability to coordinate your hands, to walk properly, your balance is gone.
"It’s frustrating and makes you angry. But I’ve started to recover; I am coming on in leaps and bounds now."
She admitted that the health scare had reminded her of what is truly important in life.
She said: "Material things don’t matter; they can be lost or broken, but memories are everything. Friends, family and laughter - that’s all that matters."
Previously, the EastEnders star opened up about her financial struggles after being axed from the BBC show in 2012.
Speaking to The Sun, she said: "Until I have steady work, I’m not rich or comfortable—I’m just surviving.
"I’ve been saying yes to everything for no money, but I need to start valuing my work and asking for fair pay. Even my agent insists on it."
After acting work dried up for a time, she was forced to perform in a local Chinese restaurant to make some money.
Recommended Reading:
- 'Loved' EastEnders star set for big return despite 'perfect' exit 3 years ago
- Coronation Street star's 'beautiful surprise' re-visiting iconic Channel 4 show
- Emmerdale legend speaks out on rumours of explosive exit from the show
She said: "I’ll never give in. I want to keep singing. If people criticise me for singing in small restaurants, so be it.
“At the end of the day, I’m an entertainer. Community has always been important to me, and I’ll perform no matter the crowd.
“If only two people show up, I don’t care—I’m still being paid, and I’ll still give it my all."
Share