FORMER EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has landed a new job – just weeks after revealing she lost £500k in a scam and was left using food banks.

The actress – who played Heather Trott in the BBC soap – has had a tough few years after an accountant allegedly stole up to half a million from her.

She was left having to use food banks and scraping a living as an actor and singer.

But now she’s landed a new starring role and it involves Katie Price.

The star is taking to the stage in a production of Living the Life of Riley at the Beacon Arts Centre in Greenock.

Centred around Joanne Riley, the play delves into the trials and tribulations of the mum as her son Jackson is diagnosed with autism.

The comedy is introduced by a video message by Katie Price who talks about her son Harvey having the condition.

Meanwhile Cheryl recently opened up about her own financial troubles.

The mum — on a six-figure wage on ’Enders — said she turned to food banks two years ago and once more this year.

She told The Sunday Times: “I tell people to use services when you need them.

“I’ve claimed benefits when I’m not working because you’ve got to live.

“It’s very difficult in our acting situation because things come in spits and spurts.”

Cheryl said she hit hard times because her accountant did not file or pay her taxes.

She said: “I found out that I had been defrauded by an accountant who hadn’t filed or paid my taxes.

“They showed me false proof that they had sent everything to HMRC, but in reality they had taken the money.

“HMRC said it was still my responsibility to pay it and I lost between £400,000 and £500,000.

“I had this massive pay cheque and I put it in the bank, but I had to take it out to pay the taxman. I’m still chasing my tail from it.”