Cheryl Fergison revealed her womb cancer diagnosis left her struggling financially.
The former EastEnders actress, who played Heather Mills on the BBC soap, revealed she reached out to the late Dame Barbara Windsor for assistance.
The 58-year-old TV star joined ITV’s Loose Women on Wednesday and recalled how the terrifying ordeal had impacted her mental health.
At the time, Cheryl was experiencing some money troubles and kind Barbara insisted on helping out with the bills, leaving the grateful star in tears.
She recalled: “I remember Babs going to me, ‘Come on, you’ve got come around to my house.’
“I went to the toilet and I explained what was going on and that I was about to have my operation soon. Scott [Barbara’s husband] was there with a chequebook.”
Cheryl added: “She literally wrote a cheque out to help me with my bills and my mortgage. I remember just weeping.”
“People don’t the generosity of people – but thank you Babs, thank you Scott.”
The actress also thanked other friends and colleagues including the late Paul O’Grady and Steve McFadden.
She commented: “I’ve had loads of support from my family, my lovely husband, my son.
“Steve McFadden, Barbara Windsor, Linda Henry, Paul O’Grady…everybody who knew was just amazing.”
