Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has spoken publicly for the first time about her secret battle with womb cancer, revealing how her life fell apart after a devastating diagnosis in 2015. The 58-year-old actress, best known for playing Heather Trott, kept her ordeal private for years but says she is now ready to share her story.
Cheryl, who underwent a full hysterectomy and suffered early menopause, admitted there were dark moments when she feared she might die. She said: 'I thought: am I going to die? Am I going to leave my husband without a wife, my son without a mum? But I am strong and I’d knock those thoughts away.'
The cancer was discovered after Cheryl experienced backache and spotting. A biopsy revealed Stage Two womb cancer. She said hearing the news was 'like an out of body experience'. Medics recommended a hysterectomy, which brought on early menopause and ended hopes of having children with her husband Yassine, who is 20 years her junior.
Cheryl, who lives in Blackpool with Yassine and son Alex, said the support of her EastEnders co-stars and family helped her through. She delayed telling her son, then 16, until after his exams. She also praised her husband, who was in Morocco for periods during their marriage, for his support.
Now cancer-free, Cheryl is looking forward to a one-woman show and a panto appearance with her son. She said: 'The time is right to talk about it. My family and I have been through a lot but we’re still here.'
