BBC EastEnders legend says she’s taking on jobs ‘for no money’ amid financial woes after ditching soap
Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has revealed she is “just surviving” financially as she takes on jobs without pay amid ongoing money struggles.
The 60-year-old actress, who played Heather Trott in the BBC soap from 2007 to 2012, admitted her finances “will take a long time to recover”.
“Until I have steady work, I’m not rich or comfortable—I’m just surviving,” she told The Sun.
The actress has been accepting unpaid work but says she now needs to start “valuing my work and asking for fair pay”.
Despite financial challenges, Fergison remains determined to continue performing, even at small venues.
“I want to keep singing. If people criticise me for singing in small restaurants, so be it,” she said.
The actress emphasised her commitment to community entertainment, stating: “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.”
She insisted she won’t be deterred by small audiences. “If only two people show up, I don’t care – I’m still being paid, and I’ll still give it my all.”
“One thing isn’t better than another—we all have our paths,” she added.
Fergison previously revealed she had to rely on food banks and claim benefits when work became scarce after leaving EastEnders.
The late Dame Barbara Windsor, who died in 2020, offered financial support during her difficult period.
“The lovely late great Barbara Windsor was getting her chequebook out to help me. They helped me out a lot and helped my family,” Fergison said.
She has also sold old EastEnders scripts to generate income.
“It was kind of like [the money] was frittered away [on holidays]. You think you’re going to be [in EastEnders] forever, but you’re not,” she admitted.
However, things appear to be looking up for Fergison, who recently announced her return to the BBC after 13 years.
In a TikTok video, she revealed: “I’ve been packing, getting ready for London next week. Going to be doing a little secret project.”
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She added: “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.”
The actress has also recently landed a role in the BBC comedy series Mandy.