Skint EastEnders Cheryl Fergison lands new movie role after struggling for work and turning to food banks
CHERYL Fergison has landed a brand new movie role after opening up about her financial struggles and reliance on food banks following a lack of acting work.
The former EastEnders favourite is set for a career boost after enduring some of the toughest years of her life away from the spotlight.
Cheryl will star in the upcoming film alongside a host of familiar faces, marking a welcome return to the screen after years of struggling to secure regular acting jobs.
She shared on Instagram: “This old nag isn’t ready to be put out to graze just yet! Too many projects, events and wonderful turns in life to follow.
“Thanks to Broke & Knackered Films and their company I have been offered my first bit of filming in the summer in the brilliant new film “Tits up” a fantastic, brilliant topic, amazing cast of talented peeps and a beautifully written piece.
“Thank you everyone for your faith, belief and support when things were challenging for me personally, physically, mentally and financially.
“Never will I ever forget the good peeps of this world. Forever in their debt and humbled by their actions everyday.”
The actress has previously spoken candidly about the financial difficulties she faced after leaving EastEnders, revealing she was forced to seek help from food banks during tough times.
She used food banks to get by after her accountant ripped her off during her time on the soap.
She said she needed the help after she was hit by a £500,000 tax bill.
She told The Sunday Times: “I tell people to use services when you need them.
“I’ve claimed benefits when I’m not working because you’ve got to live.
“It’s very difficult in our acting situation because things come in spits and spurts.”
Cheryl said she hit hard times because her accountant did not file or pay her taxes.
She said: “I found out that I had been defrauded by an accountant who hadn’t filed or paid my taxes.
“They showed me false proof that they had sent everything to HMRC, but in reality they had taken the money.
“HMRC said it was still my responsibility to pay it and I lost between £400,000 and £500,000.
“I had this massive pay cheque and I put it in the bank, but I had to take it out to pay the taxman. I’m still chasing my tail from it.”
Cheryl is best known for playing lovable Walford gossip Heather Trott in EastEnders, a role she portrayed from 2007 until 2012.
Heather became a fan favourite thanks to her warm-hearted nature, close friendship with Shirley Carter and her memorable catchphrase, “Shirl!”.
Her tragic death at the hands of Ben Mitchell remains one of the soap’s most shocking storylines and is still remembered by viewers more than a decade later.
