My son Alex’s father ‘disowned’ him when he came out as gay at 16, says EastEnders’ Cheryl Fergison

EX-EASTENDERS star Cheryl Fergison claims her son’s father dumped him when he came out as gay at the age of 16.

The actress, who played Heather Trott on the soap, opened up about her relationship with son Alex on The Hundamental Guide to Life podcast.

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She showered the young actor and writer with praise, revealing how he overcame adversity as a child to find success in his life.

“When he came out at 16, his father disowned him. He doesn’t talk to him,” said Cheryl, 56.

“He went through that and I’ve since remarried and everyone in our family accepts it now.

“In his 22 years of life he has been through the mill and back. But whatever happened, we were side by side. The main thing is that he’s happy and healthy, that’s all that matters.”

LGBT ally Cheryl said she often goes to drag clubs with Alex and was a champion of equality long before her son was born.

She said she often discusses the gay community with her boyfriend Paul O’Grady and is grateful that the world is becoming more accessible.

Discussing the difficulties her son was growing up with, she continued: “He suffered from AHDH, he went to behavior school. The world wanted to put him on medication, but I finally got him off. He could have been a really naughty boy and ended up with a not fantastic life.

“But I decided to take control and say, ‘There’s nothing wrong with him, he just wants to do his own thing and if he wants to wear a dress, then so be it. If he wants to put on make-up, then so be it.

“Now he’s an amazingly round young man who has overcome challenges.”

Cheryl also expressed her desire to be on I’m A Celebrity, but claimed ITV “banned” her for previously appearing on Celebrity Big Brother.

“I’ve really wanted to do the jungle my whole life, even before Big Brother. But alas, once you’ve done Big Brother, you can’t go to the jungle.

“For some reason ITV thinks it’s too close. I think it’s silly.”

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