FORMER EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison has quit her new job following a "backstage breakdown".

The actress walked off the theatre show Mums The Word just days before opening night.

She had been set to star alongside Sarita Plowman and Poppy Tierney for a 28-date nationwide tour.

The Mirror reports she suffered panic attacks and anxiety in rehearsals, which led her to quit the show at the eleventh hour.

Cheryl left EastEnders in 2016 when her character was killed off.

She had previously been looking forward to returning to the stage following a break in employment before her sudden exit.

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It's left her co-stars worried for the 58-year-old, who said she "had an awful lot going on lately".

Sources told the website she's thrown the theatre show into chaos as producers rush to find a permanent replacement.

A show insider said: "Cheryl has unfortunately had to withdraw from the tour due to personal reasons and we can all agree that she should be putting herself and her health first.

"Cheryl's Eastenders Co-Star, Laurie Brett will be stepping into the role and joining the cast of Mums The Word on their UK tour."

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Cheryl released a statement, telling fans: "Very sadly, this is to let you know that I have had to withdraw from the wonderful Theatre production 'Mums the Word'.

"There is nothing that I love more than connecting with a live audience and this is something that I have never had to do in the past.

"But I’ve had an awful lot going on lately and I need to be fully around for my wonderful family.

"The producers of the show have been absolutely brilliant and I would like to thank them very sincerely for all of their understanding."

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