Cheryl Fergison, best known for playing Heather Trott, has spoken about her health and recovery following a stroke that left her unable to walk or speak.
Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison, best known for her role as fan-favourite Heather Trott, has spoken candidly about her health following a stroke eight months ago.
The 60-year-old actress faced a challenging recovery, as the stroke in May 2025 left her unable to walk or speak. Cheryl described the period as “one of the lowest times in my life.”
On Thursday (29 January), she appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss her progress, telling presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty that she is “recovering slowly” but feeling “a lot better.”
She added: “It’s a long process, but my mind is positive now. It wasn’t at the start, but it is now. I’m happy to be here, to be quite honest.”
Cheryl suggested that her stroke may have been the result of a “build up” of the stress she has faced throughout her acting career.
She explained: “My blood pressure was always high. Our industry is known to be extremely stressful – it’s very much feast or famine. If you’re not worrying about your job and staying at the top of your game, you’re worrying about how to make ends meet.”
Recalling the day it happened, Cheryl said she had a “terrible headache” before collapsing to the floor.
Her son Alex, who has experience working with the elderly, recognised the symptoms and quickly realised she may have suffered a stroke. Cheryl was rushed to a hospital in Blackpool, where she began the process of retraining her brain to regain coordination, balance, and mobility.
Looking back, she said: “It literally changed my life from that day. I could speak, but forming words in the hospital was incredibly difficult.”
Cheryl revealed that her right side, which still feels heavy, had initially stopped working entirely. She was unable to walk, but over the past months, with patience, perseverance, and the support of her stroke team and the Stroke Association, whom she praised as “brilliant,” she has gradually made a full recovery.
She also offered a stark message to her fans, urging them to be mindful of their stress levels if they want to enjoy a long and healthy life.
Cheryl previously underwent surgery for womb cancer in 2015. At the time, the late Barbara Windsor, who played Peggy Mitchell on EastEnders, generously covered her medical expenses and living costs.
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