EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison reveals how cast of BBC soap ‘know’ they’ll be axed and ‘signs’ they look out for
FORMER EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has revealed how the cast of the hit BBC soap will figure out they’re being axed.
Cheryl, 60, played the iconic role of Heather Trott who was the former best friend of Shirley Carter, the mother of George Trott, and huge George Michael fan.
Joining the soap in 2007, Heather was originally a guest character but soon became a key character in the soap.
But after five years of residing in Walford, Heather was murdered by Ben Mitchell in 2012 – with fans still up in arms over her exit to this day.
And now, after the soap’s 40th anniversary celebrations that saw Martin Fowler get killed off during the live episode last week – Heather star Cheryl has spoken out.
Revealing what signs she spotted before she was axed from the soap, Cheryl has gotten candid in a new chat.
Speaking to Daily Star, Cheryl shared how she had predicted her axing before it happened.
“I had a feeling it might be coming,” she told the paper.
She explained how they would usually go and see the producers regularly to discuss their character’s storylines over the coming weeks.
“We’d always joke that either you’re going up to talk about your storyline, or you’re part of the culling,” she revealed.
She then recalled: “But that particular week, as Friday approached, I hadn’t had a meeting, and neither had Linda [who played the role of Shirley Carter].”
Because she hadn’t had a meeting with the producer, Cheryl thought that a big storyline for Heather might be looming.
And she was right.
“At the time, Brian Kirkwood was the producer, and when I walked in, he looked visibly upset. I had an inkling of what was coming,” she said.
“He asked me to sit down, and I knew straight away it wasn’t going to be anything exciting.
“He explained that the higher-ups—the Powers That Be—had decided they wanted to explore Shirley dealing with grief, which meant Heather was going to die,” Cheryl revealed.
EastEnders' 40th anniversary cameos so far
With the 40th anniversary of EastEnders coming up, fans are looking forward to some more incredible cameos from iconic faces of Walford's past. But who have we had so far?
Tracy-Ann Oberman – Oberman returned as Chrissie Watts, a character she last played nearly two decades ago.
Paul Bradley – Bradley returned as Nigel Bates, a character he last played over 25 years ago.
Micheal French – French returned as David Wicks, a character he last played two decades ago.
Patsy Palmer – Palmer returned as Bianca Jackson, a character she last played in 2019.
Ricky Groves – Groves returned as Garry Hobbs, a character who has not been seen since 2009.
Cliff Parisi – Parisi returned as Minty Peterson, a character who was last seen on the square in 2010.
Ross Kemp – Kemp has returned to play Grant Mitchell, a character he first played in 1990. The BBC has described Kemp’s storyline as “explosive”. Kemp said it was an “absolute honour” to return to the show.
Other aspects of the EastEnders 40th anniversary celebration include: A wedding between fan favorites, A huge explosion at the Queen Vic, and A live interactive episode.
This comes after Cheryl told how she was forced to claim benefits and turn to a food bank for help after leaving the soap in 2012.
Opening up on her current financial situation to The Sun last week, the actress said: “My health is good, but my finances will take a long time to recover.
“Until I have steady work, I’m not rich or comfortable—I’m just surviving.
“I’ve been saying yes to everything for no money, but I need to start valuing my work and asking for fair pay. Even my agent insists on it.”
She went on: “Still, I’ll never give in. I want to keep singing. If people criticise me for singing in small restaurants, so be it.
“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.
“If only two people show up, I don’t care—I’m still being paid, and I’ll still give it my all.”
The actress added defiantly: “No one should be judged for trying to get back on their feet. One thing isn’t better than another—we all have our paths. I will always sing my heart out and I’m working my way back up.”