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Tony Mortimer in yellow, John Hendy in green, Terry Coldwell in blue and Brian Harvey in red© Getty Images

90s boyband star ditched life of fame and fortune for 'normal' job – details

John Hendy was a beloved part of the East 17 family

Matthew Moore
Online News Writer & Diversity and Inclusion Lead
January 21, 2025
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East 17 were one of the biggest boybands of the 1990s with their easily recognisable smash Christmas hit, Stay Another Day.

Among the group members were Tony Mortimer, John Hendy, Brian Harvey and Terry Coldwell, and while the band went through numerous splits one of their key singers was backing vocalist John. The singer remained with the group until he stepped away from them in 2018.

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Explaining why he left, John said: "I've left the group over personal problems between me, Robbie and Terry, not because I've had a baby or anything else or my fiancé. It's time to move on and I'm not getting any younger but good luck to them."

When asked about his future plans, he stated: "My plans are enjoying life and living with my family."

John Hendy walking down a muddy path© Alamy Stock Photo
John ended up leaving East 17 in 2018

Since he left the group, John has left the world of show business behind him, instead taking up a job as a roofer in the construction industry.

Speaking to MailOnline about the change, he shared: "I'm happy doing what I do because I'm at the top of my game. I'm sort of like best of the best on the roof side. I enjoy it because I know everything."

John Hendy standing on a roff laying tiles© Instagram
John is now happy working as a roofer

The star reflected that he often joins his old friends at parties and while they rock up in luxury cars, he's turning up in his "roofing van". While this initially bothered him, a chat with a pal ended up changing his perspective on the matter.

"Then they put it in perspective to me," he explained. "They are like 'John, mate, it's money, it doesn't mean nothing.' One friend said to me 'I'd rather give this all up and then just go out for one week and experience what you've done, because what an experience that is.'

John Hendy smiling in a yellow t-shirt© Getty Images
The star is happy living away from the limelight

He acknowledged his popstar life was the "people's dream", saying: "We've had the dream, that's the way I look at it."

Despite the successes of East 17, who sold over 18 million albums worldwide, John revealed he doesn't have much to show on this, not that he lets it bother him.

John Hendy and a dog lying down© Andre Csillag/Shutterstock
John was a backing vocalist for East 17

"I don't ever regret anything, like I say we came out with nothing but there's no point thinking about that, just get on with life. Life's too short", he told the publication. "I don't let it get to me. I haven't even got a house and people think you're millionaires."

He added he felt that himself and his fellow bandmates "should have all come out with a house, at least".

John Hendy sitting in a jacket and jeans© Shutterstock
The singer revealed a lack of money from performing in the band

His comments mirror those of former co-star Brian Harvey, who previously revealed that he was living on benefits due to financial struggles after leaving East 17.

In 2015, the singer told the Independent: "We sold 18 million records and the frustrating thing for me is that I have to sit there every Christmas and listen to myself while I don't even have the money for a Christmas dinner.

All four members of East 17 lying down© Mike Prior
Other members of the band have spoken about financial hardships

"I am sitting here eating a cold chicken burger on Christmas Day. You have got this number one record, I am just rattling around in a cold house with no food, on my own, with my record being played – but you are just a no one."

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