Several famous faces who had the world at their feet have quit their high-profile careers for a normal nine-to-five lifestyle. Fame can be difficult to handle, and many seasoned stars have decided to step away from the limelight.
Hettie Bywater
The former EastEnders actress starred as Lucy Beale on the BBC One soap. She played the troubled star for three years after her soap debut in 2012 and was at the centre of one of EastEnders' biggest storylines in recent years when she was murdered in 2014. After her character was killed off, Hettie returned for a flashback episode when it was revealed it was her brother Bobby who had killed her by bashing her over the head with a music box. After her exit in 2015, she went on to star in Death in Paradise and Sky One series Delicious. In 2017, onlookers spotted her working as a barmaid in a pub in Islington, London, pulling pints and collecting glasses.
John Hendy
The 90s singer made a name for himself as a member of East 17, known for hits including their 1994 Christmas number one Stay Another Day. However, the group was not bringing in loads of cash; in the early days, members were only pocketing £125 a week each. The band split in 1997. Now, John shares updates about his life as a roofer on TikTok.
Charlie Clements
The actor is best known for playing EastEnders' Bradley Branning, who died in 2010 after falling off the roof of the Queen Vic. Since leaving the soap, he went on to star in Holby City and as Henry VII in a Channel 5 drama series. In 2021, he revealed he had been working as a chef during lockdown to make ends meet. He posted a picture of himself in a restaurant kitchen while wearing his uniform, saying it was his last day before returning to acting. Writing on Instagram, Charlie said: "Last day as a chef today!! On to rehearsals next week... #actorslife #actor #acting #work #theatre."
Katie Jarvis
The former actress starred as Hayley Slater in EastEnders between 2018 and 2019. After leaving the soap, she worked as a security guard at B&M to support her family between acting jobs. She told the Daily Star: "I've taken a step back from acting. I've got a job and I’m looking after my kids."
Sean Wilson
The Coronation Street actor was a regular on the ITV soap between 1985 and 2005. He is best remembered for his role playing Martin Platt. The former soap star, who recently tied the knot with his partner Carol Hammond, now works as a cheesemaker.
Samantha Giles
The former Emmerdale star is an award-winning actress best known for playing Bernice Blackstock in the ITV soap. While she is set to reprise her role in the Dales, when she left the show in 2023, she continued her work as an author and worked as a witch, selling £18 spells online to raise money after quitting the soap.
