EASTENDERS star Cheryl Fergison has revealed she is releasing an autobiography.

The 61-year-old broke down in tears as she shared the news with fans and admitted the contents will ‘shock the nation’.

Since then she has documented her struggle to find work , admitting to “taking jobs for no money” – saying she’s “just surviving.”

Cheryl has also told how she was forced to claim benefits and turn to a food bank for help.

But things are looking up thanks to her book deal – and in a touching video, Cheryl told her loyal fans: “Good Morning everyone, the day has arrived that I am allowed to announce what I have been so excited for for ages and ages and ages.

“To say that I am over the moon with this next project, it’s an understatement. It is a life long ambition, it is something I have wanted to do high up and amongst any telly programmes, films or theatre shows I would want to do.

“I am just going to spit it out. I am writing my autobiography that is coming out at the end of August.”

The star continued:  “It’s a story – sorry I am getting a bit emotional, it’s a story that will shock the nation a little bit.

“People won’t expect a lot of the stuff that is in that book but it’s also full of amazing stories about amazing people. It’s funny, it will make you laugh, it will make you cry hopefully, it will make you reflect, it will make you relate to some of the things.”

She added:  “It’s taken into my 60^th to do this, I think it’s an incredible story from start to now.”