East 17 star John Hendy, 55, is now working as a roofer after quitting fame. The band, which stood out from more clean-cut groups in the 1990s, is best known for the Christmas hit Stay Another Day. However, during the height of their fame, they saw little of the money raised from their success. According to reports, the band’s members were only getting around £125 a week each. The band split in 1997 following the controversial comments member Brian Harvey made about taking ecstasy. However, the group's leader, Tony Mortimer, allegedly pockets £97,000 a year from their 1994 Number One single. However, his bandmates are not included in the royalties.

While John was part of the next generation of the band, named E-17, he decided to leave in 2018 after clashing with Terry and the new arrival Robbie Craig.

During the coronavirus pandemic, he had to live in a hostel with his family for 18 months.

Despite a the difficult period, John managed to turn things around and work as a roofer which was the trade he carried out prior to his music career.

He now shares videos from his job on TikTok, with the star recently working on a property in Lewisham, London.

In comments, fans have been left baffled at how he did not earn more for his music, with one writing: “Nothing but respect for this man – royalties and fair distribution should see him retired and taking life easy – very unfair but what a lovely guy – humble.”

A second added: “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. Great resurrection album E17.”

Speakin to MailOnline about how little he was left with from East 17, he said: “When I turn up to a party and my rich friends are coming in their Porsche’s and Range Rovers and I’m pulling up in my roofing van and I’m like ‘oh mate, it makes me feel sick coming to your parties’.

"And then they put it in perspective to me. They are like ‘John, mate, it’s money, it doesn’t mean nothing, mate’."