by Lynn Cox

Actress Cheryl Fergison – who is appearing in pantomime in Chatham this Christmas, is rumoured to be entering the Big Brother house this week.

Cheryl, who is best known for playing Heather Trott in EastEnders, is thought to be going into the house tomorrow, when this year’s Celebrity Big Brother starts.

The 47-year-old who played murder victim Heather in the BBC1 soap, will later this year swap her headband and tabard for a tiara and ball gown to play the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the Central Theatre.

Cheryl has been working in television and theatre for 25 years but this will be her first pantomime.

According to national newspaper reports this week, the actress whose character in EastEnders was known for her love of cheese, karaoke and George Michael, is currently holed up at a hotel in London and the show’s line-up is a closely guarded secret.

But yesterday, pictures emerged of one contestant wearing a balaclava outside the hotel where she is said to be hiding before the launch show.

The photo left little doubt the woman, who was wearing sunglasses under the balaclava was indeed Cheryl.

She has long been rumoured to be one of those entering the house and the photos have done little to dispel the speculation.

The disguised woman emerged from a car at the top secret hotel wearing baggy white trousers and a flowing, patterned vest top.

She was also carrying a Co-op plastic bag thought to contain make-up.

The actress played Heather until earlier this year when her character was killed off.

Celebrity Big Brother, will begin tomorrow night, with a two-hour launch episode hosted by Brian Dowling on Channel 5.

Other potential house mates rumoured to be making an appearance include Coronation Street legend Julie Goodyear, comedian Julian Clary, and controversial journalist Samantha Brick.

Cinderella runs from Thursday, December 13, to Sunday, January 6. Call the box office on 01634 338338 or book online at

Cinderella runs from Thursday, December 13, to Sunday, January 6. Call the box office on 01634 338338 or book online at

http://www.medwaypanto.co.uk/