John Hendy, one quarter of the iconic 1990s British pop group East 17, has returned to his pre-fame profession as a roofer, living a life far removed from his days as a heartthrob. The 55-year-old is currently working on a property in Lewisham and has been documenting his work on TikTok, where fans have praised his down-to-earth attitude.
From Stardom to Scaffolding
East 17 formed in Walthamstow in 1991, standing out from clean-cut groups like Take That and Boyzone with their edgier image. The band, consisting of Tony Mortimer, Brian Harvey, Terry Coldwell, and John Hendy, achieved massive success with hits such as Stay Another Day, Around The World, and Steam. However, their rise was marred by controversy in 1997 when Brian Harvey boasted about his ecstasy use, claiming it was "cool" and could "make you a better person".
Since then, the group has undergone several reformations and break-ups. Terry Coldwell continues to perform under the East 17 name alongside Robbie Craig and Joe Livermore. Tony Mortimer, the group's primary songwriter, earns nearly £100,000 annually in royalties from the Christmas hit Stay Another Day. Brian Harvey has frequently spoken about his financial struggles. John, however, has embraced a quieter life.
A New Chapter on the Roof
In a TikTok video from a rooftop, John greeted fans: "What's happening? We're doing a bit of slating today. How's everybody's day going? Are you doing all right?" Reflecting on his career change in a 2024 interview, he 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."
Fans have reacted positively to John's new path. One TikTok user commented: "Love how you get on with it and don’t bang on about 'where are my millions', top bloke." Another wrote: "If you turned up scaffolding I'd still ask for your autograph. East 17 was my teens." A third added: "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 East 17 permanently in 2018 to focus on his family—wife Nina and their two children. At the time, he explained: "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, he simply said: "My plans are enjoying life and living with my family."
