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Cheryl Fergison’s fishy nickname for Scott Maslen

Cheryl Fergison used to call Scott Maslen "Nemo" because of all his fishing equipment.

The former ‘EastEnders’ actress – who played Heather Trott on the BBC soap from 2007 to 2012 – has opened up about the fishy nickname she came up with for her former co-star.

Speaking on the ‘Distinct Nostalgia’ podcast, she said: "Scott Maslen, I nicknamed Nemo because my dressing room used to be next door.

"He had all his fishing tackle in there and it stank of fish. In between he would sometimes go fishing up to the lake."

Scott first played Jack Branning from 2007 until 2013, and he then made a full time return in 2015.

Cheryl also admitted she was in awe of working with soap legends like Steve McFadden (Phil Mitchell) and Dame Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell).

She added: "Sometimes you just have to go, ‘These people I learn from every day.’ "

The 54-year-old actress – whose character was killed off by Ben Mitchell in 2012 – when the character was played by Joshua Pascoe – has made no secret of her desire to return to the soap world in some way.

Earlier this year, she wrote on Instagram: "OK so I’ve had lots of people asking if I could go back to @bbceastenders as Hev’s long lost twin…

"So writers there’s a challenge and actually there is a storyline that could defo make that possible…

"Remember Hev’s mum ( she was a wicked one )and aunt babes terrible past story of selling babies !! …if you would like to see this epic come back let @bbceastenders know (sic)"

And Cheryl – who has also admitted she’d love to join ‘Emmerdale’ as a "long-lost Dingle" – previously issued a come-and-get-me-plea to ‘Coronation Street’ bosses.

She said: "It’s so tempting to just cross the bridge and chain myself to the @itv @coronationstreet set here @salfordmediacity and say "come on Corrie you know the cobbles could have a new character just give my agent a call… #cheeky #dontaskneverknow #promote #livingupnorth #madforit (sic)"