Celebs who returned to normal jobs after finding fame -from a yoga teacher to a cheese maker

Published date29 May 2021
Publication titleBirmingham Mail: Web Edition Articles (England)
But with gruelling schedules and intense scrutiny, it's no wonder that many stars decide to turn their backs on their career.

There are others, though, who have managed to juggle working another job while also appearing on our screens.

Some have even become roaring successes in their new careers, proving that a life removed from the camera flashes doesn’t mean the end -but rather the beginning.

Among the success stories are a former Corrie star winning awards for his cheese, while another household name has given back to society launching an addiction recovery charity.

Check them out below:

Tony Discipline -EastEnders

Former EastEnders actor Tony Discipline has left the showbiz world behind to bravely become a firefighter.

Tony, who played Alfie Moon’s cousin Tyler Moon from 2011 until 2013, unveiled the move on Instagram by sharing a snap in his London Fire Brigade uniform in October 2020.

The former actor, who previously dated Jacqueline Jossa, had previously hinted at his new job back in March of the same year when he posed in his uniform.

However fans at the time wrongly assumed he was dressed for a new acting role.

In light of his new career move, fans flooded to the comments section to congratulate Tony.

Fellow former EastEnders star James Forde, who became a builder after leaving the show, commenting: "Fair play geeza good on ya! We've both gone back down to reality!"

Hetti Bywater -EastEnders

Hetti took over the role of Lucy Beale in 2012, but didn't last long as the character was killed off two years later in a gripping whodunnit storyline that went on for a year.

Her last appearance as a soap regular was in April 2014, but she returned for the explosive live flashback episode where viewers discovered Lucy was murdered by her little brother Bobby.

After her soap exit, Hetti appeared in Death in Paradise in 2015 and Sky One drama series Delicious in 2016.

In 2017, actress Hetti Bywater was spotted pulling pints in a North London pub Image: Hetti Bywater

While in between acting jobs in April 2017, she was spotted pulling pints at a North London pub.

In October 2020, Hetti admitted she was "glad" that Lucy was killed off when someone commented on one of her Instagram snaps.

She agreed with one of his points, writing: "I'm glad Bobby killed Lucy too, I hated her."

Ray Quinn -X Factor

At the height of his fame, Ray Quinn was watched by 12.6 million people on the X Factor in 2006.

After finishing runner up to Leona Lewis, the star, 32, has released two albums, appeared in a host of stage shows and was a regular on Hollyoaks in 2018.

He also made British music history as the youngest male artist to ever enter the UK album chart at No1 without having released a single.

When the pandemic hit, Ray was appearing in a play at Liverpool’s Royal Court but it was forced to close its door, leaving him without any work or income for months.

Hard-working Ray didn't want to sit around feeling sorry for himself so got a job as a Hermes delivery driver for three months.

"It just didn’t stop," he said. "You can have up to 150 parcels in your van and you’re out from 8am to 6pm.

"It helped put food on the table at the time, but it was reported I was earning £11.40 an hour… I definitely wasn’t on that much!"

It was a humbling experience for the former Dancing on Ice champion, who admitted he had to leave his ego at the door.

Ray's father died of cancer in November during what he describes as a "nightmare" year, but the singer believes his dad would be proud he has now joined his brothers Robin and Darren in the carpet fitting business.

Ray, who will appear in a Rat Pack-inspired UK stage show later this year, explained it was good to have another trade under his belt during these times and said you shouldn't "pigeon-hole yourself".

Adam Thomas -Emmerdale

Adam Thomas spent nine years playing Adam Barton in the Dales before leaving in 2018.

He then took on three days a week of work at a...

To continue reading

Request your trial

VLEX uses login cookies to provide you with a better browsing experience. If you click on 'Accept' or continue browsing this site we consider that you accept our cookie policy. ACCEPT