Former EastEnders star Cheryl Fergison was forced to deny she had died, after a fan paid tribute to her onscreen character Heather Trott.
The 55-year-old shared a fresh photo of herself to reassure fans she was still alive on Monday.
Cheryl told fans: "Thank you for your concerns but I am alive and well despite confusion on some social media that I had passed away.
"Sadly we did loose George Michael the legend & wonderful man 4 years ago..
"Heather Trott, well yes she is dead but as for me Cheryl Fergison I’m looking forward to a wonderful new year where I wish our industry to get back into full flow..."
Her post came after a fan shared a confusing tribute referring to Cheryl's popular soap character and the late George Michael.
The original post stated: "Thinking of them both at this Christmas time. RIP George and Hev, having a laugh up there I bet!"
Heather was killed off by EastEnders bosses in 2012.
However Cheryl reprised her character in the form of a voiceover on Christmas Eve 2016.
In the recording viewers heard Heather say Christmas just wasn't Christmas "without a bit of George Michael."
The former Wham! singer was found dead the following day.
For her part, Cheryl said she was hoping to get back on the TV this year.
The mother-of-one continued: "With confidence I say look out for me back on your screens in the new year and here’s to exciting and wonderful new projects (like the secret says open your mind and be positive in the knowledge you will receive).
"Wishing you all a prosperous , and wonderful new year be patient stay safe and remember life is for living it to the best we can."
