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Actress Cheryl suffered a devastating stroke earlier this yearCredit: Shutterstock
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She described the medical emergency as ‘one of the lowest times in my life’Credit: Instagram
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Cheryl is known for playing Heather Trott in EastEndersCredit: BBC
Recalling the terrifying experience, former EastEnders star Cheryl, 59, said: “I went to bed but couldn’t settle.
“When I got up in the night to go to the bathroom, my balance completely went and I had to stop myself from falling over. My whole right side felt numb, heavy and tingly.”
She continued to the Mirror: “You lose the ability to coordinate your hands, to walk properly, your balance is gone.
“It’s frustrating and makes you angry. But I’ve started to recover; I am coming on in leaps and bounds now.”
Cheryl admitted that her health battle has reminded her what’s really important in life.
She added: “Material things don’t matter; they can be lost or broken, but memories are everything. Friends, family and laughter – that’s all that matters.”
Cheryl, who shot to fame as Heather Trott in EastEnders, has been very open about her financial struggles since being axed from the soap in 2012.
Speaking to The Sun recently, she said: “Until I have steady work, I’m not rich or comfortable—I’m just surviving.
“I’ve been saying yes to everything for no money, but I need to start valuing my work and asking for fair pay. Even my agent insists on it.”
With no acting work, Cheryl turned to performing in a local Chinese restaurant to earn some cash.
Cheryl Fergison announces ‘return to the BBC’ after being axed and forced to work in a Chinese restaurant
She said: “I’ll never give in. I want to keep singing. If people criticise me for singing in small restaurants, so be it.
“At the end of the day, I’m an entertainer. Community has always been important to me, and I’ll perform no matter the crowd.
“If only two people show up, I don’t care—I’m still being paid, and I’ll still give it my all.”
