John Hendy, best known as a member of the 1990s boy band East 17, has returned to his pre-fame career as a roofer, 31 years after rising to stardom. The 55-year-old former pop star frequently posts videos on TikTok showcasing his work, attracting a mix of praise and criticism from viewers.
From Boy Band to Building Sites
Hendy, who has 5,172 followers on the platform, often faces comments questioning why he continues to work a manual job despite his past success. However, his wife Nina is quick to respond with witty retorts. When one follower asked why he wasn't retired and living luxuriously, Nina joked: 'He's rich, it's me spending his money.'
Last year, Hendy admitted he has 'no regrets' about his career shift, emphasizing the importance of 'getting a grip' after fame. He told MailOnline that while the public assumes he is a millionaire, he does not even own a house and drives a battered roofing van, unlike his friends who drive Porsches. Yet he would not trade places, stating: 'It's people's dream, innit, we've had the dream.'
The Rise and Fall of East 17
East 17 formed in 1991 with original members Brian Harvey, Tony Mortimer, Terry Coldwell, and John Hendy. They achieved massive success with hits like 'Stay Another Day' and 'If You Ever.' However, the band's fortunes changed when lead singer Brian Harvey was sacked in 1997 after making controversial comments about ecstasy following the death of Leah Betts.
Despite signing a million-pound record deal, the band's late manager Tom Watkins paid them just £125 a week, raised by £25 every four months. Hendy confirmed he has nothing financially to show from his time in the band, understanding public frustration when celebrities are assumed to have easy lives. He compared it to footballers earning £300,000 a week, calling them 'overpaid.'
Memories and Reflections
Hendy reminisced about highlights such as meeting Pamela Anderson and Phil Collins. Presenting the first MTV Awards in Berlin in 1994, the band shared a kiss with the Baywatch star on the Berlin Wall. He described Collins as 'down to earth, like your dad, a proper cockney geezer.' He also recalled shooting a Pepsi advert in Moscow and performing for millions in Israel before swimming with wild dolphins.
Reflecting on his journey, Hendy said: 'I don't ever regret anything. We come out with nothing, but there's no point thinking about that. Life's too short.' He added that while he doesn't own a house, his rich friends would love to swap places for the experiences he had.
