Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has shared an emotional update on her recovery after suffering a life-changing stroke in May last year. The 60-year-old, best known for playing Heather Trott on the BBC soap, appeared on BBC Breakfast on Thursday (January 29) to discuss her progress.
Speaking to presenters Charlie Stayt and Naga Munchetty, Fergison said: 'I'm getting there slowly, I'm recovering slowly. 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.' The actress revealed she had lost two stone before the stroke and attributed the medical emergency to a build-up of stress and high blood pressure.
Reflecting on the incident, Fergison described going to bed with a 'terrible headache' and waking up to find herself on the floor, unable to move her right side or speak properly. Her son called an ambulance, and she has since been undergoing rehabilitation with the help of stroke teams and the Stroke Association.
Fergison encouraged others to recognise they are 'not invincible' and to prioritise their wellbeing by managing stress. She also announced her upcoming play, Living the Life of Riley, which begins a UK tour next month, saying she is 'thrilled' to return to the industry she loves.
