Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison criticises show for violent storylines

"It has become a bit far-fetched. There are only so many killings and serial killers."

By Brenna Cooper

6 Feb 2023

Brett Cove/SOPA Images/Shutterstock

Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has criticised the soap for the use of violence in its storylines.

Cheryl, who played Heather Trott between 2007 and 2012, told the Daily Star she believes the soap has become too "sensationalised" and risks alienating viewers.

"I am not the morality police but I do think EastEnders has lost its way a little," she said.

"I think people are craving for something more relatable and familiar rather than sensationalised. It has become a bit far-fetched. There are only so many killings and serial killers."

She continued: "I remember when Arthur Fowler nicked the Christmas fund was big news. Now it is all about how many people can be stabbed or shot in the Square.

"I don't think that's the right image for soaps to give. I think it is normalising violence to younger people. I also don't think that's what people want to watch anymore."

The actress added that she believes EastEnders needs to keep its focus on community-driven and educational, issue-based storylines to stay relatable with audiences.

"It needs to go back to basics and focus on community," she said.

"I know the soaps strive to educate people on sensitive storylines like HIV, which are great. But then they will also do ridiculous storylines for ratings and I think, 'why did you do that?'

"It is like giving with one hand and then taking with another."

eastenders cast member cheryl fergison as heather trott

BBC

This isn't the first time that Cheryl, who made her exit from the soap after her character was killed off by Ben Mitchell, has critiqued the show's storylines either.

"They need to bring it back down to earth a bit," she told The Mirror last year. "When the sensational stuff becomes like a movie, it becomes a bit like a blur."

EastEnders airs on Mondays-Thursdays at 7.30pm on BBC One. The show also streams on BBC iPlayer.