She found fame playing EastEnders’ Heather Trott – the downtrodden, lonely sidekick of Shirley Carter – until her character was killed off in 2012. But off screen, Cheryl Fergison’s very much loved-up.
Cheryl, 56, and Moroccan husband, Yassine el Jamouni – who is 21 years younger than the actress – will celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary this year.
They met online in 2010, but when Cheryl flew out to his hometown of Agadir and married him the following year, critics slammed her as gullible and cruelly alleged that her new husband, who she describes as “romantic”, was a gold-digger
And last week Cheryl, who shares son Alex, 22, with her first husband, revealed how speculation over their marriage hasn’t stopped, adding, “There’s racism, sexism, ageism – all the isms are there when people talk about our relationship.
“It seems to be quite cool for the men, like Mick Jagger, to date younger women. But people don’t give any kudos to a woman dating someone younger, even though we’ve been together 11 years. Well we don’t care. I just feel sorry for them.”
Check out: who's waving goodbye to Albert Square this year?
Who's leaving EastEnders this year?
1 of 3Mick Carter (played by Danny Dyer)
After nine years on the show, it's been confirmed that Danny Dyer - aka Mick Carter - is leaving Walford. A spokesperson told Digital Spy, "Danny will be leaving EastEnders when his contract comes to an end later this year."Danny has made Mick Carter an iconic character which we shall always be grateful for, however we won't be saying goodbye just yet as there's still quite some time – and plenty of explosive drama for Mick – to come before he departs Walford."
2 of 3Keegan Butcher-Baker (Zack Morris)
After five years on the show and a failed marriage to Tiffany Butcher, Keegan will leave the square in the Spring as actor Zack explores new things. In a statement, Zack said, "After five beautiful years on this incredible show, I have made the tough decision to leave Walford and give Keegan Butcher-Baker some well-earned rest."
3 of 3Tiffany Butcher (played by Maisie Smith)
After months of speculation, EastEnders bosses have confirmed that Tiffany Butcher is leaving Walford however she will also make a brief return later this year. Confirming the news Maisie Smith has said, "It's time to say farewell to Tiff! I've grown up on EastEnders since 2008, and have learnt from the best over the past 13 years. "I'm very excited for my next challenge and thank the BBC for the opportunity they gave me as a 6 year old."Jon Sen, EastEnders' executive producer, added. "We are all very sad to see Maisie leave. She's been a wonderful company member during her time at EastEnders and it's been a privilege to see her blossom into the star she is. "She has created an iconic character in Tiff and the door is always open to her return. We wish her all the very best for her future projects."
As well as EastEnders, Cheryl's appeared in Celebrity Big Brother. She was the second person to be evicted from the house in 2012, in a series that was won by Julian Clary.
Cheryl showed off her impressive pipes when she sang on ITV’s Your Face Sounds Familiar, and is now offering singing lessons via Zoom.