Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has openly shared her challenging financial struggles, revealing that she was forced to use a food bank after leaving the soap opera. The 60-year-old actress, best known for playing Heather Trott from 2007 to 2012, described her experience as deeply emotional and humbling.
Fergison’s financial difficulties began after she was diagnosed with womb cancer in 2015, which significantly impacted her acting career. She underwent a hysterectomy and experienced early menopause, which triggered severe mental health challenges. During her recovery, she struggled with self-harming behaviors, including scalding herself daily in an attempt to “wash away” cancer cells.
By February, Fergison found herself in a dire financial situation. She was unable to afford weekly groceries and was overwhelmed by mounting debts. The actress, who once earned a substantial income from EastEnders, was now searching for spare change in her sofa cushions.
Seeking help, Fergison visited Citizens Advice, where a staff member accompanied her to a local food bank. The experience was emotionally overwhelming for her. “I sat there and cried and cried,” she recalled, feeling ashamed about her dramatic change in circumstances.
Despite her initial embarrassment, Fergison was deeply touched by the food bank workers’ kindness. She described them as “angels” who provided her with not just groceries, but also emotional support. She left with four bags of food and has not needed to return since.
To make ends meet, Fergison has diversified her work, including singing in Chinese restaurants and performing in pantomimes. More importantly, she hopes her story will help destigmatize using food banks and encourage others facing similar challenges.
“I hope other people can relate to it,” she said. “I really want to stress that food banks are a service. They’re there for you to use, so please do not feel embarrassed or that it’s a weakness.”
Her experience aligns with broader national trends. A recent report by the Trussell Trust revealed that a record 9.3 million people in the UK are facing hunger and hardship, including one in five children. The Living Wage Foundation also reported that more than half of low-paid Londoners have used food banks in the past year.
Helen Barnard from the Trussell Trust praised Fergison’s bravery in sharing her story, emphasizing that while food banks try to provide a warm welcome, it’s fundamentally “just not right” that people have to rely on them to survive.
Fergison’s candid account highlights the growing economic challenges many individuals face and the critical role of support services in helping people maintain their dignity during difficult times.
