Cheryl Fergison, formerly of EastEnders, has opened up about recovering after a stroke in May last year.
Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has spoken openly about her “hard” journey to recovery following a stroke.
The 60-year-old actress, best known for portraying Heather Trott on the BBC soap, suffered the stroke in May last year, which left her unable to walk or speak.
Almost a year after the frightening health scare, Cheryl appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday (January 29), where she gave presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty an honest update on her progress.
Sharing how she is doing now, Cheryl said she continues to reassure people that she is improving, explaining that she is “much better” than she was when the stroke first happened last May.
She added that her recovery is gradual and ongoing, describing it as a lengthy process. However, she revealed that while her mindset struggled at the beginning, she now feels positive and grateful. “I’m getting there slowly,” she said, adding that she is thankful simply to be here, according to OK!.
Reflecting on what she described as a turbulent year, Cheryl explained that after leaving EastEnders she made a conscious effort to improve her health and lose weight, shedding around two stone.
She went on to describe the series of pressures she faced over the past year, including writing her autobiography, turning 60, and then suffering a stroke, calling it an incredibly intense period of her life. Cheryl said her book explores many of the long-term stresses she has experienced and believes these pressures may have accumulated over time. She added that her blood pressure had consistently been high and noted that the entertainment industry is widely known for its demanding and unpredictable nature.
Cheryl explained that performers often face constant worry — whether it’s staying competitive and securing work, or coping financially during quieter periods.
Recalling the night of her stroke, Cheryl said she went to bed with a severe headache at the back of her head. When she later got up during the night to use the bathroom, she collapsed to the floor. She managed to call her son, who quickly recognised the signs of a stroke and contacted emergency services.
Speaking about the impact of that moment, Cheryl said the experience completely altered her life. Although she could speak in hospital, she struggled to form words properly and had to concentrate intensely, which she found particularly difficult to process.
Cheryl explained that the right side of her body, which still feels heavy, had completely stopped functioning at the time. She was unable to walk, but said that over the following months she has gradually improved at her own pace with the support of her stroke team and the Stroke Association, whom she praised for their help. She said she is now on the path to making a full recovery.
Charlie remarked that, given what she had been through, the outcome could easily have been very different. Cheryl agreed, admitting that it “really could” have been, before reminding viewers that no one is immune and stressing the importance of looking after their health. She urged people to be mindful of stress and take steps to manage it if they want to enjoy a long and healthy life.
The actress also spoke about her upcoming stage production, Living the Life of Riley, which is due to tour the UK next month. Expressing her excitement, Cheryl said she is delighted to be returning to the work she loves and to being back in the industry.
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