Former EastEnders actress Cheryl Fergison has spoken candidly about the shocking decision to axe her character, Heather Trott, from the long-running BBC soap.
Heather, a beloved and bubbly presence in Albert Square, met a tragic end in 2012 when she was murdered by Ben Mitchell.
Now, over a decade later, Cheryl has shared insights into how she discovered her character’s fate and the real reason behind her departure from the show.
A Sudden and Unexpected Exit
Cheryl portrayed Heather from 2007 until 2012, winning fans over with her warm-hearted yet often chaotic persona.
She was best known for her close friendship with Shirley Carter (played by Linda Henry) and her love for George Michael.
However, her time on the show came to a heartbreaking conclusion when Ben Mitchell (then played by Joshua Pascoe) killed her by striking her with a photo frame.
Speaking to Daily Star, Cheryl recalled the moment she found out that her character would be written out of the show. She admitted that she had a sense something big was coming, as cast members were often called in for storyline discussions or, more ominously, to be informed of their exit.
“I had a feeling it might be coming. We’d always joke that either you’re going up to talk [to producers] about your storyline, or you’re part of the culling,” she explained.
However, as the week progressed and neither she nor Linda Henry had been summoned for discussions, Cheryl began to suspect something was on the horizon for Heather.
How She Learned About Heather’s Fate
When Cheryl was eventually called into a meeting with then-producer Bryan Kirkwood, she immediately sensed bad news.
“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. He asked me to sit down, and I knew straight away it wasn’t going to be anything exciting.”
The actress was informed that the decision to kill off Heather had been made at the highest levels of the show’s production team. According to Cheryl, the reasoning behind the choice was to explore a new emotional storyline for Shirley, centering on grief and loss.
“He [Bryan] 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.”
Despite the difficult news, Cheryl took it in stride, recognizing that storytelling choices in soap operas often come down to dramatic impact and character development.
Life After EastEnders
Since leaving EastEnders, Cheryl has taken on various roles, including appearances in CBBC’s Dodger and the film White Island. However, she remains best known for playing Heather, and fans still associate her with the character.
But life after the soap has not always been smooth sailing for Cheryl. In a previous interview on This Morning, she bravely spoke about financial struggles she faced following her departure from EastEnders. She revealed that she had to seek help from a food bank at one point, a reality she never expected given her time on a high-profile television show.
“It was kind of like [the money] was frittered away [on holidays]. You think you’re going to be [in EastEnders] forever, but you’re not. If the jobs don’t come in as quick as they were…it started to spiral,” she admitted.
Cheryl also noted that the public perception of former soap stars can make it difficult to transition into other careers.
“The perception is that you’re lowering yourself by doing something like [singing in a restaurant],” she explained.
Barbara Windsor’s Support
During her toughest moments, Cheryl found support from none other than EastEnders legend Dame Barbara Windsor. The late actress, known for her kindness and generosity, stepped in to help Cheryl and her family when they were struggling financially.
“The lovely late great Barbara Windsor was getting her chequebook out to help me. They helped me out a lot and helped my family,” she shared.
Cheryl’s experiences mirror those of many actors who, after leaving long-running television roles, find themselves navigating an uncertain future in the entertainment industry. Despite the ups and downs, she remains a cherished figure among EastEnders fans, with many still mourning Heather Trott’s untimely exit.
A Lasting Legacy
Heather Trott’s death remains one of the most shocking moments in EastEnders history, and Cheryl Fergison’s portrayal of the lovable yet often unlucky character has left a lasting impact. While she has moved on to new projects, she still holds fond memories of her time on the show and the friendships she built along the way.
Though she may no longer be in Albert Square, Heather’s presence continues to be felt, and Cheryl Fergison’s legacy as one of EastEnders’ most memorable characters is undeniable.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
