One quarter of one of the biggest British pop groups of the 1990s, John Hendy’s life today is very much different having made the return to his pre-fame profession
A 90s boyband singer who was once one of the UK’s biggest stars is now living a very different life after returning to the profession he worked in prior to his success. Formed in Walthamstow in 1991, East 17 stood out from other squeaky-clean pop groups of the time such as Take That and Boyzone, with a far more edgy image.
The four-piece comprised of Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey, Terry Coldwell, and John Hendy, and shot to stardom thanks to a series of hits, including Stay Another Day, Around The World, and Steam. However, their demise was met with controversy in 1997 after lead singer Brian boasted of his ecstasy consumption, claiming it was “cool” and “can make you a better person”.
Several reformations and break-ups have since followed, and today Terry still performs under the East 17 banner, with Robbie Craig and Joe Livermore. Tony, meanwhile, who was the group’s songwriter, rakes in almost £100,000 per year from royalties earned from Christmas hit, Stay Another Day, while Brian has often spoken of his struggle to make ends meet.
John, on the other hand, is enjoying life as roofer, appearing unrecognisable compared to his heartthrob 90s image. The 55-year old is currently working on a property in Lewisham and took to TikTok as he grafted.
“What’s happening?” he began in a video from the rooftop. “We’re doing a bit of slating today. How’s everybody’s day going? Are you doing all right?”
In a 2024 interview, the group’s former backing singer and dancer said: “When I started working roofing I thought I was gonna get really badly put down. But I’ve had respect from people saying ‘good for you getting back on the roof after what you’ve been through, what you’ve done’.
“Some people say to me, ‘you must have no money’. I’m like, well we never got any money! That’s what people don’t get.”
Writing in response to John’s clip, meanwhile, one TikTok user praised: “Love how you get on with it and don’t bang on about ‘where are my millions’, top bloke.”
A second person pondered, however: “No hate, but how is this guy still working when he sold the records he did? He should be retired and living it up somewhere hot.”
A third quipped: “If you turned up scaffolding I’d still ask for your autograph. East 17 was my teens.”
While a fourth TikTok user said: “Omg still a roofer. I remember you from years ago in Walthamstow. Can’t believe you are still doing roofing. All the best.”
John left the group for good in 2018 citing the desire to focus on his family – wife Nina and their two children. Explaining his decision at the time, he simply said it was “time to move on”.
“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,” he explained. “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.”
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: mirror.co.uk
