Cheryl Fergison Lands New Role After Admitting She Was ‘Broke’
Former EastEnders favorite Cheryl Fergison has officially landed a new acting role after revealing her financial struggles earlier this year. The beloved star, best known for playing Heather Trott, is making her comeback in Ireland’s first-ever social media soap opera, Centra Deli Drama.
A Fresh Start in a Surprising New Role
The 60-year-old actress joins the new comedy-drama as Pam, an estranged sister whose dramatic arrival at a local deli sets off a whirlwind of chaos, confessions, and comedy. She stars alongside Jennifer Zamparelli, who plays Pam’s sister, Sharon.
Set inside real Centra deli shops across Ireland, the series mixes scripted storytelling with real-life community spirit. With more than 500 independently owned Centra stores nationwide, the show celebrates the everyday lives and humor that unfold behind the counter.
Alongside Cheryl, the cast includes Sorcha Morgan, Amanda Stewart, Carl McGuire, Job Oueno, and David Nulty, as well as actual deli workers from Centra stores, giving the series an authentic, slice-of-life charm.
Overcoming Financial Struggles
Cheryl’s return to acting comes after a difficult decade following her exit from EastEnders in 2012, when her character Heather was tragically killed off. Since then, the actress has faced career challenges and devastating financial setbacks.
In her autobiography Behind the Scenes, she revealed she had been left penniless after her accountant failed to pay her taxes for five years. “Everything I had built, saved, and worked for was gone,” she wrote. “Going broke when you’re famous is the worst, because everyone expects you to have lots of money. But that was exactly where I found myself.”
Despite the hardship, Cheryl’s determination never faded. Earlier this year, she admitted she was still “not comfortable” financially but was “working her way back up,” performing wherever she could—including at the opening of a Chinese restaurant.
“My finances will take a long time to recover,” she told The Sun. “Until I have steady work, I’m just surviving. But I’ll never give in. I want to keep singing and performing, no matter the crowd.”
Love, Resilience, and New Beginnings
Cheryl now lives in Blackpool with her husband Yassine Al-Jermoni, whom she married in 2011. Their relationship endured years of separation due to visa issues, with Yassine remaining in Morocco for nearly a decade before finally joining Cheryl in the UK.
“We’re in Blackpool now—the Vegas of the north—and we’re settled,” she told OK! magazine.
With her new role in Centra Deli Drama, Cheryl is not just returning to screens but reclaiming her confidence and creativity. Her story is one of resilience, reminding fans that it’s never too late for a fresh start.
The first episode of Centra Deli Drama premiered Thursday on Centra’s social media channels, marking a bold new chapter for both Cheryl and the innovative Irish series.