Heather Trott star Cheryl Fergison teases plot twist that could see her return to EastEnders
The character of Heather Trott became a firm favourite in EastEnders with her trademark headbands and love of karaoke and George Michael.
So fans were heartbroken when, after appearing in more than 380 episodes, the character met a sticky end - murdered by Ben Mitchell who hit her over the head with a photo frame in a row over money.
Now Cheryl Fergison, who played Heather for half a decade - and whose comic timing helped bring light relief to the soap storylines - has revealed the perfect plot twist to see her return to Albert Square from beyond the grave.
“I don’t know how possible that would be because I was murdered but maybe I could return as Heather’s long lost twin?” laughed Cheryl, 58,who now lives in Blackpool with her husband of 12 yeast, Yassine, 38.
In the past the mum of one - she has a 24-year-old son Alex from her first marriage - has said it was ‘a shame’ that Heather had to go and that being part of EastEnders was ‘a brilliant time’ in her life
“But Heather was iconic - let’s leave her be. I want to move on to something else.
"I live up north now - I’d love to play someone else in another soap,” she revealed.
Although Heather was last seen on screen back in 2012, the character made a poignant return in a Christmas episode when Dot, played by June Brown, found and played an old cassette recording which featured Heather’s voice and several festive songs.
There was added sadness as, on the tape, the character talks about George Michael - in the soap Heather was a huge fan, as is Cheryl in real life - but less than a day after the scene was aired, George died.
"It was so sad. He was such a wonderful man," said Cheryl who met the singer and who sent her gifts 'from one fan to another'.
Despite no longer being part of the soap, which first hit our screens in 1985, Cheryl is still a regular viewer.
“I still love watching it. I love the newer characters and the storylines - I am totally invested.
“I also think soaps do an important job of showing people that their lives are actually ok compared to lots of others.”
She is still in regular touch with Steve McFadden - who plays Phil Mitchell - staying at his home in London if she needs to be in the capital at any point to film.
And she retains the fondest of memories of her co-stars Barbara Windsor and June Brown.
“I miss them both a lot. When I was in EastEnders I would go to their dressing rooms and hear their stories every day. I loved it.”
