Read the latest from Pete Price
Read the latest from Pete Price
A few weeks ago at the Epstein Theatre, I was reunited with Cheryl Fergison for a warm, funny, and deeply moving conversation about her life, her career, and her incredible resilience.
We were long overdue for a catch-up; I’ve been a fan of her work since she first stepped onto the square as Heather Trott in EastEnders, and we’ve been friends ever since. Cheryl’s best-selling autobiography, Behind the Scenes, was years in the making.
She gathered thousands of voice notes and memories before a publisher helped her shape them into a book that explores the reality behind her very public smile. The title reflects the truth of her life – the struggles, the laughter, the hidden battles, and the strength required to “put on that wonderful smile,” a piece of advice famously given to her by her dear friend, the late Barbara Windsor.
The book reveals a dramatic beginning: Cheryl’s teenage mother hid her pregnancy so effectively that when her grandparents arrived at the hospital, they expected to see the results of an appendix operation. Instead, they were met with a newborn baby.
From those early hardships and time spent in a refuge to treasured friendships with stars like Paul O’Grady and George Michael, her story is, in parts, heartbreaking, candid, and emotionally draining. EastEnders remains a huge chapter in her journey.
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Originally cast for just five episodes, Cheryl stayed for five years as the complex, lovable Heather. Her partnership with Linda Henry, who played Shirley Carter, became one of the drama’s greatest double acts.
When Cheryl was given six months’ notice that she was being written out, it was a shock, but she accepted it with gratitude for the platform it provided – even if the public remained angry about her character being killed off. Life took a challenging turn in 2025 when Cheryl suffered a stroke.
She recalls a sudden, piercing headache and a fall in the night. Thankfully, the quick thinking of her beloved son and best friend, Alex, saved her life.
The recovery has been slow, frustrating, and deeply emotional. Cheryl speaks with brave openness about her anger, her depression, and the gruelling process of re-learning basic skills.
Returning to the stage has been a monumental turning point. She recently finished a successful tour of Living the Life of Riley, a professional milestone that has been vital to her healing.
Yet, she is clear that her proudest achievement remains Alex, now a talented actor and singer who joins her at Pride events nationwide. I closed our chat by asking what she wants readers to take away from her autobiography.
Her answer was simple: “Laughter, honesty, recognition, and hope.”
To hear more of our conversation, listen to my podcast: The Very Best of Pete Price.
