EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison says she’s ‘taking jobs for no money’ amid financial woes – and says she’s ‘just surviving’
EASTENDERS star Cheryl Fergison says she’s “taking jobs for no money” amid her financial struggle, and says she’s “just surviving.”
Cheryl, 60, played Heather Trott for five years, leaving in 2012 when the character was killed off.
5
5
But recently, the star has opened up on her money woes, as she flogged tickets to fans to see her perform at a Chinese takeaway’s opening earlier this month.
Cheryl has also told how she was forced to claim benefits and turn to a food bank for help.
Now, opening up on her current financial situation, the actress said: “My health is good, but my finances will take a long time to recover.
“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.”
Read More on Cheryl Fergison
She went on: “Still, 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.”
The actress added defiantly: “No one should be judged for trying to get back on their feet. One thing isn’t better than another—we all have our paths. I will always sing my heart out and I’m working my way back up.”
But things are looking up for Cheryl, revealed her upcoming projects in a video on TikTok – including filming for the BBC.
Cheryl Fergison announces ‘return to the BBC’ after being axed and forced to work in a Chinese restaurant
Cheryl shared to her followers: “I’ve been packing, getting ready for London next week. Going to be doing a little secret project.
“Then, I will be filming for the BBC. And then I will be going to The Groove Chorus, working with the beautiful Groove Chorus at The Clapham Ground on the 21st and 22nd.”
Cheryl made her first appearance as Heather Trott, sidekick to Shirley Carter (Linda Henry) in June 2007, initially as a guest character.
Owing to her popularity, Heather later became a full-time part of the BBC soap.
However, her time in Walford ended in tragedy after she was bludgeoned by Ben Mitchell (then Joshua Pascoe) in early 2012.
She’s also mentioned on ITV’s This Morning that she was conned out of a humungous amount of money.
Cheryl said: “There is a circumstance that started this, which I can’t talk about at this moment in time, but it started to spiral.
“The only way I can say it is I was conned out of a humongous amount of money.
“That led to the cancer thing and everything spiralled. I was robbing Peter to pay Paul.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“I ended up having to sell my house. Now I am living up north and renting.”
Cheryl was chatting to Casino.org
5
5
5