EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison tells panicked fans she is still alive after rumours she has died sweep social media

EX-EASTENDERS star Cheryl Fergison has been forced to confirm she is alive and kicking after her death 'was announced' on social media.

Cheryl, who played hapless Heather Trott in the BBC soap, has told fans that she has not "passed away" after a tweet appeared to suggest it.

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The rumours began when an EastEnders viewer posted a photograph of 55-year-old Cheryl and the late singer George Michael on Twitter.

A caption alongside it read: "Thinking of them both at this Christmas time. RIP George and Hev, having a laugh up there I bet!"

It actually made reference to Cheryl's EastEnders' character Heather, rather than Cheryl herself. Heather was a big George Michael fan and was killed off by soap bosses in 2012.

Clearing up the confusion, Cheryl shared a new picture of herself on Instagram.

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She wrote alongside it: "Thank you for your concerns but I am alive and well despite confusion on some social media that I had passed away.

"Sadly we did loose George Michael the legend & wonderful man 4 years ago..

"Heather Trott, well yes she is dead but as for me Cheryl Fergison I’m looking forward to a wonderful new year where I wish our industry to get back into full flow..."

The actress then told fans how she hoped they will get to see her on the telly again in 2021.

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"With confidence I say look out for me back on your screens in the new year and here’s to exciting and wonderful new projects (like the secret says open your mind and be positive in the knowledge you will receive ❤️).

"Wishing you all a prosperous , and wonderful new year be patient stay safe and remember life is for living it to the best we can .. 😘👍❤️."

Sharing their relief, one fan replied: "Thank god you’re ok xx."

Another also wrote: "Glad you’re okay 👌🏼."

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Cheryl starred as Shirley Carter's best pal Heather in EastEnders from 2007 to 2012.

She was killed when Ben Mitchell hit her over the head with a photo frame.

The character returned in voice on Christmas Eve 2016 after Dot Cotton discovered a mix tape Heather and Shirley had made years earlier.

She could be heard saying "it wasn't Christmas without a bit of George Michael".

Cheryl has since gone on to enjoy a stage career. She also entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2012 but was the second star to be evicted.