From Boyband Star to Roofer: John Hendy’s Journey from East 17 to Working on Roofs

John Hendy, former member of the 1990s boy band East 17, has returned to his pre-fame career as a roofer after stepping away from the music industry in 2018.

Hendy, now 55, left the band to focus on his family life with his wife Nina and their two children, stating at the time that it was simply “time to move on” due to personal issues within the group.

Despite East 17’s significant success — including the 1994 Christmas number one hit “Stay Another Day” and a reported £1 million record deal — Hendy revealed he earned only £125 per week from their manager during the band’s peak and did not receive any property from the deal.

He has expressed no bitterness about his time in the band, saying, “I don’t ever regret anything. We come out with nothing, but there’s no point thinking about that. Just get on with life… Life’s too short.”

Hendy now finds fulfillment in his trade, describing himself as “at the top of my game” and “sort of like the best of the best on the roof side.” He continues to engage with fans through social media, sharing videos of his work on TikTok where he has over 5,000 followers.

In one recent TikTok video, Hendy performed a kitchen dance to the band’s 1995 track “Innocent Erotic,” which he referred to as his “Christmas song” for fans, wearing ripped jeans, a black shirt, and tie.

The clip was well received, with one fan commenting it was “not on the ‘1st thing I’ll see in 2026’ list but I’m here for it,” while others expressed interest in a potential reunion involving former bandmate Brian Harvey.

Hendy’s transition from pop stardom to roofing underscores a deliberate choice to prioritize stability and personal well-being over the uncertainties of fame, a path he has embraced without reservation.