A shocking turn: Imagine heading to bed with nothing more than a dreadful headache and waking up in the midst of a nightmare. That’s exactly what happened to Cheryl Fergison, best remembered for her EastEnders days. Her world was flipped upside down in May after suffering a serious stroke. Speaking to BBC Breakfast, Cheryl recounted the traumatic night and the emotional aftermath that followed. For millions who watched her bring warmth and heart to television, hearing about her struggle is unsettling—and deeply moving.
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The incident happened during a notably stressful period in Cheryl’s life. She was balancing the weight of leaving EastEnders, working on her autobiography, celebrating her 60th birthday, and battling ongoing stress and weight loss. But the stroke was an unexpected blow. As Cheryl revealed, she woke up in the middle of the night feeling wrong after that fierce headache. When she tried to stand, she fell—and it was her son who understood just how serious things were. He recognised the signs instantly and didn’t waste a second:
“My son immediately suspected I was having a stroke and called the ambulance,” Cheryl recalled.
“The process is long but I am getting there” Cheryl’s honest account of her recovery
Suddenly, everything familiar became a challenge for Cheryl. Though she could speak at hospital, forming simple sentences was a struggle. Her right side was so badly affected that everyday tasks were almost impossible. Recovery hasn’t been quick or easy, but her spirit—well, that’s another story.
“The process is long but I am getting there,” Cheryl insists.
Her determination shines through every word, and she credits not only medical professionals but also the Stroke Association for her incremental progress.
Cheryl remains confident that things will keep improving:
“Having the right mental attitude is key,” she said.
Her outlook has helped her take every small gain as a step forward. She’s not sugar-coating it—the journey is hard, the changes in her abilities profound. But with time, rehab, and professional care, she’s seeing results, no matter how slow.
“At first, I couldn’t walk or talk properly,” she admits.
And yet now she’s regaining strength, mobility, and hope bit by bit.
Warning about the dangers of stress and the importance of health
If there’s one thing Cheryl wants to shout from the rooftops, it’s that stress—work related or personal—shouldn’t be underestimated. She mentioned in her interview the burden she felt from both her career and her personal life, especially during the time leading up to her stroke. Turning those experiences into powerful lessons, she urges everyone: take your health seriously before it’s too late.
“I would like people to look after themselves to avoid situations like mine,” she presses home.
This moment has completely altered Cheryl’s perspective. She now prioritises self-care and actively encourages others to do the same. The message: monitor your stress, listen to your body, and don’t put health on the back burner. Cheryl’s experience isn’t just a celebrity confession—it’s a plea for prevention, awareness and kindness to oneself. “Stress played a big part,” she shares, reflecting on what led to that life-altering night.
The community rallies and next steps for Cheryl
Fans and fellow actors have sent waves of support to Cheryl since news of her condition broke. Her openness about the struggle has helped raise awareness about strokes and recovery—and shone a spotlight on the invaluable work of organisations like the Stroke Association and the NHS. Cheryl isn’t just talking the talk; she’s preparing to get back on stage with her new play, Living the Life of Riley, set to tour the UK next month. It’s a strong reminder that resilience, support, and hope can move mountains—even after the toughest knocks.
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EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison issues health update after life-changing stroke
