Cheryl Fergison, best known for her role as Heather Trott in *EastEnders*, has opened up about some of the struggles she’s faced after leaving the iconic BBC soap. 

Cheryl played the lovable, often quirky character of Heather from 2007 until 2012, when her character was tragically killed off. 

Despite her popularity on the show, Cheryl has admitted to making certain career mistakes in the years that followed, 

particularly turning down opportunities that could have helped her career.

In a candid interview with *MailOnline*, the 59-year-old actress shared that she regretted some of the decisions she made after her time on *EastEnders*. 

“I admit I have turned down a lot of things to my detriment, things that probably would have helped my career and, maybe, I would do things differently the second time around,” she said. 

Cheryl further reflected on her time on the show, revealing that she never sought to be a major star. “Even in *EastEnders*, I didn’t want to act like the big Number One. To me, it was just a job because that’s what I am — a performer,” she explained.

Despite being a fan favorite, Cheryl faced challenges in her post-*EastEnders* career. Her time away from the spotlight has not been without its difficulties, and last year, she opened up about the financial struggles she had experienced. Cheryl revealed that at one point, she was forced to turn to a food bank and claim benefits to make ends meet, a stark contrast to her earlier success on one of Britain’s most-watched TV shows.

In more recent months, Cheryl has attempted to get back into the public eye by offering unique experiences for her fans. In early February, the actress hosted events at a new Chinese takeaway, The Dragon Lounge, in Blackpool. For the opening weekend of the establishment, Cheryl took to social media to invite her fans to join her for a weekend of singing, karaoke, and general knowledge quizzes. She posted that she would be hosting the events and performing throughout the weekend, emphasizing the celebration of Chinese New Year. Cheryl’s involvement with The Dragon Lounge was a reminder that she has not only a career in acting but also an interest in connecting with her fans in more personal and fun ways.

The *EastEnders* actress also revealed that she had been tricked out of a “gigantic amount of money,” which further added to the financial difficulties she was facing. While she did not go into further detail, her admission highlights some of the personal and financial hurdles she’s had to navigate after leaving the show. In addition to her performances at The Dragon Lounge, Cheryl has remained involved in various creative projects and has continued to find ways to make a living and stay connected with her loyal fans.

Despite her career challenges, Cheryl maintains a positive outlook, embracing her identity as a performer while accepting that not every decision in her career has been perfect. Cheryl’s story is one of resilience and a reminder of the unpredictable nature of a career in show business. While the limelight may have dimmed after *EastEnders*, Cheryl’s ongoing efforts to entertain and engage with her audience show that she is far from finished in her career.

Cheryl’s openness about her financial struggles, career regrets, and current ventures offers a heartfelt insight into the real-life challenges that actors can face after leaving a long-running show. For many, her time on *EastEnders* as Heather Trott will always remain one of her most beloved roles, but Cheryl Fergison is clearly working hard to carve out new opportunities and maintain a connection with her fans, all while navigating the ups and downs of life post-soap.

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