EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has been living her best life this weekend as she celebrated another trip around the sun.
The actress, best known for playing hapless Heather Trott on the BBC One soap, has been enjoying her birthday in style – but fans have insisted she looks much younger as she revealed she had turned 57.
Cheryl spent her big day in the Lake District on Saturday and told her 45,000 Instagram followers of her plans as she showed off her new slimmer figure.
She wrote alongside a stunning selfie, in which she wore a blue v-neck top and statement necklace, explaining: "It’s just turned midnight and it’s now officially my birthday.
"Just finished hosting karaoke night and looking forward to bed and then up for my day in and around the Lake District.
"Thank you for all the lovely messages so far and thanks in advance to all my birthday wishes.
"It’s the year of the Heinz variety (57) and I’m embracing it all folks because it’s all about making the most of as much as you can and living it to the fullest with the people you love."
Fans rushed to the comments to wish her a happy birthday and gush over the star’s youthful looks.
"Happy Birthday Cheryl. Enjoy the celebrations. You certainly don't look your age," one fan wrote.
"Enjoy your day beautiful lady," another said.
A third gushed: "Happy birthday Cheryl, you bring so much light and positivity and I hope it is returned to you tenfold."
She later shared a video on a boat on Lake Coniston with her son Alex, who lovingly gave his mum a hug while she told how much of a lovely peaceful day she was having.
Cheryl played the loveable character for five years from 2007 and she quickly won viewers' hearts as Shirley Carter's best friend and an unlucky-in-love legend, before leaving in 2012 after her character was murdered by Ben Mitchell.
But back in April, the actress hinted at the lack of body diversity in the BBC soap as she shared her desires to see more 'big people' in successful TV careers.
Cheryl is keen to see larger actors in more three-dimensional roles.
She also branded EastEnders at 'out of touch' and slammed BBC bosses for their decision to kill off her legendary character.
