Strolling through bluebell-strewn gardens in the spring sunshine, Cheryl Fergison looks the very picture of happiness and health. But for eight years the former EastEnders actress fought a secret battle against both cancer and shocking bouts of self-harm – the story of which she only now feels ready to share.
“It was a horrendous time,” the 58-year-old former soap favourite reveals to OK!.
“There were some dark moments, especially at night, when I thought, ‘Am I going to die? Am I going to leave my husband without a wife, my son without a mum?’
“But the time is right to talk about it all now. I’m hoping my story might empower other women. I’ve been through a lot but I’m still here. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
That motto is something Cheryl, who played big-hearted Heather Trott in EastEnders for half a decade, has had no other choice but to live by after being diagnosed with stage 2 cancer of the womb in 2015.
But as brutal as facing the disease was – she underwent a full hysterectomy in June of that year – nothing prepared her for the subsequent psychological impact. That led her to take extreme measures to rid herself of what she erroneously believed were remaining cancer cells in her body, douching herself daily using scalding water.
“It was like an addiction,” explains Cheryl, who won the Funniest Performance award at the 2008 Inside Soap Awards.
“I would bleed, I couldn’t have a smear because it was so tender, it made relations with my husband difficult. I don’t do it anymore but we have to talk about these things otherwise nothing will change.”
This story is from the May 06, 2024 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the May 06, 2024 edition of OK! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GLUTEN-FREE GOODIES
Delicious desserts to make in your air fryer
FIVE KEY WAYS TO WELLNESS
It needn’t cost a fortune to unlock the secrets to a healthier, happier mindset with these simple core principles
Model behaviour
As her 60th birthday approaches, Yasmin Le Bon reveals her beauty secrets – and the pluses about getting older
'Work is a lifeline when times are tough
Actress Lucy Benjamin opens up about her marriage split as she reflects on career success, her time in Albert Square and her exciting new film
'The cherry on the cake will be when I meet a good man!'
Actress Denise Van Outen welcomes a new chapter in her life as she celebrates her milestone birthday and says she’s ready to meet Mr Right
'I always want to write better than I have before'
Best-selling author Harlan Coben shares his passion for writing thrillers and his joy at seeing the characters brought to life on screen
ALL SMILES AT TRUST AWARDS
Rain didn't stop play as Ant and Dec hosted the 20th Prince's Trust Awards the last before they become the King’s Trust Awards
'The success of this year is kind of beyond me
From the frothy pop of I Should Be So Lucky to the brain-invading brilliance of Padam Padam, Kylie’s career has taken some remarkable twists and turns. And keeping the fans guessing is all part of the plan
'We come into our power and strength at 50 plus'
Actress Hermione Norris calls for fair representation of older women on screen as she celebrates a new channel showing some classic TV
THE ROYAL WEEK
From meet and greets in the Highlands of Scotland to commemorative services in Norway, the royals have been busy