All the stars who turned their back on fame for a humble 9-5 as it’s revealed TOWIE’s Kirk Norcross is working as a bin collector

For many, the jet-setting life of a celebrity may sound like a dream come true.

Achieving this level of recognition frequently brings wealth and celebrity, enabling these individuals to enjoy a very comfortable lifestyle.

Yet, some talented stars have quit fame for a humble 9-5.

Former reality TV star Kirk Norcross, known from TOWIE, recently announced he’s started a new job collecting garbage – a career change that comes eleven years after he left the world of fame.

Like many celebrities, he’s chosen to leave the fame and excitement of the public eye for a more private life.

Here, the Daily Mail takes a look at the stars who have turned their back on fame.

Kirk Norcross

Oh my gosh, Kirk Norcross! I’ve been following him forever! He’s, like, totally iconic from his days on TOWIE – you know, the original cast! I remember when he first appeared on the show back in 2010, and honestly, he was a huge part of what made those early seasons so amazing. He was on until 2013, and I was devastated when he left! He’s 37 now, can you believe it? Still a legend in my eyes!

Despite the potential for celebrity, he chose a different path and started a trash removal business named County Clear Waste.

This new company provides same-day waste collection services in Norfolk and Suffolk.

The company seems to be just getting off the ground, as their first Instagram post was published in early January.

Even though the business only launched earlier this year, it has already gained over 3,000 followers.

Kirk isn’t new to running a business; he previously owned and operated a jet-washing company.

In 2020, the former reality TV personality announced he’d left the stressful world of celebrity to start a drain cleaning business, and he says he’s never been more content.

After leaving the entertainment industry, he started his first business, KN Jet Services in Essex, which specialized in cleaning jets and drains.

Kirk recently told The Sun that he found fame to be a harsh experience and has significantly reduced his spending since leaving the public eye.

You know, I used to be all about the flashy things – Ferraris, luxury watches, high-end designer denim. But honestly? I’ve completely shifted my perspective. These days, I find so much more joy in simple things. I recently realized I’m perfectly happy rocking a £20 pair of jeans from Topman. It’s amazing how freeing it is to let go of needing those status symbols!

Living a public life often involves dealing with a lot of negativity and dishonesty. It can be damaging, and you often find yourself surrounded by insincere people who are only interested in benefiting from your success.

It’s a tough world out there, but I face it head-on. I go to work, stay focused, and try to make the best of it with a positive attitude.

Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler became a well-known face on Disney Channel.

I first noticed her in a few smaller parts – she was in ‘Jonas’ and even ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,’ and I remember she had a voice role in ‘The Secret World of Arrietty’! But honestly, it was when she started on Disney Channel’s ‘Good Luck Charlie’ that everyone, including me, really took notice. That’s when she truly broke through!

In 2019, Bridgit stepped away from the spotlight for a career in law.

The pop star completed a graduate degree at USC, MIT and studied at Harvard Law School.

She’s currently a tech entrepreneur and the CEO of Northwood Space, a company working to make satellite data communication better.

She recently became the CEO of Northwood Space, a new space company that has secured £4.9 million in initial funding, as reported by CNBC.

Paige Thorne

Paige Thorne became a fan favourite after appearing on 2022’s summer series of Love Island.

The paramedic from Swansea made it to the later stages of the show with her partner Adam Collard.

Once Paige left the villa, her popularity soared, and fashion and beauty brands were eager to collaborate with her. She had qualified as an EMT back in 2019.

But after just a few months, in September 2022, she returned to part-time work as a paramedic.

She excitedly announced her return to work with a post showing her in uniform, saying she ‘can’t wait’ to get started.

During a Q&A with her followers one asked: ‘What’s going to happen with your paramedic job?’

The stunner replied by sharing three snaps of herself in uniform and in the back of her ambulance.

She’s excited to return to a banking schedule that allows her to select shifts that fit her availability.

She described the experience to Vice as incredibly overwhelming, explaining she suddenly felt immense pressure to transform into an influencer. She felt completely unprepared and stunned, like a deer caught in headlights.

‘It’s only up until recently that I realised like, no, I’m actually not an influencer.’

Ariana Richards

Ariana Richards became well-known in the 1990s after appearing as Lex Murphy in the hit movie Jurassic Park.

After filming Steven Spielberg’s adventure movie, Ariana earned a degree in Fine Art and Drama.

She now works as a painter, creating detailed portraits and landscapes.

In a 2013 interview, she explained that she loves to paint people in places where they’re genuinely happy and engaged in natural, unposed moments.

‘I enjoy getting to know what people’s essence is like.’

Mara Wilson

Mara Wilson made a name for herself as a child star in Matilda and Mrs Doubtfire.

However, as she entered her teenage years, she chose to leave public life and focus on living a more typical life.

Mara attended NYU and discovered a love for theater and writing plays. She decided acting wasn’t for her anymore.

Even though she stopped dreaming of a movie career, the disappointment she experienced at age thirteen continued to bother her for years.

People have commented that my standards for physical appearance are unusual. I explained to People that this is likely because I was raised in Hollywood.

She shared that while she had positive experiences, she always felt self-conscious and compared herself to other women, believing she was in constant competition with them. She explained this feeling has stayed with her throughout her life.

She now works as a writer and author, later publishing a memoir, Where Am I Now?

Nikki Blonsky

Nikki Blonsky shot to fame playing Tracey Turnblad in the 2007 movie version of Hairspray.

She was 18-years-old at the time, working at an ice cream shop in New York when she auditioned.

She received the Critics Choice Award for Best Young Performer and was also nominated for a Golden Globe, a highly respected honor.

Following her first movie role, she appeared in two additional films before becoming a licensed cosmetologist in 2011.

She started working as a hairstylist and make-up artist in her hometown of Great Neck, New York.

She confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that she’s currently working as a makeup artist to cover her expenses, but emphasized that she remains committed to pursuing her long-term goals.

As a lifestyle expert, I always say it’s important to understand the full story. In a 2017 interview with Out magazine, Nikki shared that leaving Hollywood wasn’t something she actively chose – it wasn’t her decision to make, and that’s a really important detail to know.

She stated she never intentionally left Hollywood and has no plans to do so as long as she lives.

‘Singing and acting has been my dream since I was three.

‘It kind of feels like the industry left me.’

Erik Per Sullivan

Erik Per Sullivan is best known for playing Dewey in Malcolm in the Middle.

The show went on to win seven Emmy awards.

Following the conclusion of the show in 2006, he began studying at the University of Southern California in 2009.

Now in his 30s, Erik works in academia and declined to join the show’s reboot.

Rachel Fenton

Rachel Fenton first became well-known after appearing on the second season of Love Island, where she coupled up with Rykard Jenkins.

It was amazing to see her come back to what she truly loves – being an orthopaedic clinical nurse specialist. Honestly, trying to balance all the attention she was getting with her full-time job was just too much, and I’m so glad she prioritized her passion and expertise in patient care.

After leaving the show, I had a whirlwind of parties and fancy events, which was exciting for a while. But it didn’t feel like me, so I quickly went back to my job as a nurse specializing in trauma and orthopedics – within just two weeks, actually.

She found the attention of being famous very stressful. She recalled an experience at the Bluewater shopping center in Essex where a group of teenagers rushed over to ask for photos, highlighting how difficult it was to adjust to fame.

Oh my gosh, Rachel was just incredible! She was one of those amazing healthcare heroes, right there on the front lines battling the coronavirus. I was so worried about people like her, risking everything to help us all, and she just… she was a total inspiration. I followed her story closely, and she was just unbelievably brave.

She caught the illness twice while caring for patients, and described losing her ability to taste or smell when she was sick.

Oh my gosh, when she first announced it, she said she’d tested positive for the virus! And she was SO quick to warn everyone – she said if you’re losing your taste or smell, it probably means you have it too, so you absolutely HAVE to follow the rules and isolate yourself. It was just… she’s so thoughtful, even when she’s not feeling well! I immediately checked my own senses, of course. It was just… everything.

She stated she hadn’t been feeling sick, just generally okay – not fully herself, but not ill either. She continued to eat normally and still had her appetite, describing her symptoms as very mild. She emphasized the importance of self-isolating if you experience a loss of taste or smell.

I won’t return to work until my COVID test comes back negative. I’m waiting to hear when I can get tested again. Until then, I’m staying home and focusing on getting better. Thankfully, my symptoms haven’t been too severe.

Danniella Westbrook

I remember when Danniella Westbrook was on ‘I’m a Celebrity’ back in 2003, and it was so interesting to hear her say afterwards that she’d actually had enough of being famous and didn’t want to be considered a ‘celebrity’ anymore. It really struck me as honest and refreshing.

She explained back then that she and Kevin had agreed she wouldn’t take on any television roles that required her to be away from home.

Since 2016, she has not starred in any TV shows or films.

Last year, the actress was photographed working as a bartender in a London pub to earn money.

Danniella had been putting in shifts behind the bar at The Bill Nicholson in Tottenham.

The actress, currently between acting jobs, shared on X that she’s been helping out a friend at her pub, @thebillnicn17. She says it makes her feel good and she gets to laugh a lot throughout the day.

Danniella Westbrook, known for playing Sam Mitchell on the soap opera EastEnders starting at age 16, publicly struggled with cocaine addiction. This addiction severely damaged the cartilage in her nose, causing it to collapse.

Jennifer Stone

Jennifer Stone became popular for her role as a supporting character alongside Selena Gomez in the Disney Channel series Wizards of Waverly Place, which aired from 2007 to 2012.

When she was 20 years old, she was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

I’ve been following her journey for years, and it’s truly inspiring. After spending four years in and out of hospitals as a patient, she decided she wanted to become a nurse herself! She worked so hard and finally graduated in 2019 – I was so proud!

Today, Jennifer works as an emergency room nurse and bravely cared for patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She told Healthline: ‘I like the multi-tasking. I like the chaos. I like the collaboration.

Nursing always requires teamwork, but it’s particularly true in the emergency room. Since we’re often unsure of the patient’s condition at first, we’re in a phase of figuring out the problem, and that demands close collaboration with colleagues.

Georgia May Foote

Georgia, known for her role on Coronation Street, has traded acting for a new skill: she’s now a qualified nail technician.

She played Katy Armstrong on the ITV soap.

She went on to get her beauty qualification in 2021 and opened her own business, GMnails.

While she runs her salon, she still takes on acting and voiceover work.

In 2025, she revealed that had opened her own salon called the cloud.

Charlie Clements

Charlie Clements played Bradley Branning, became a beloved character on EastEnders.

But in 2010, his character plummeted to his death after falling off the Queen Vic.

The actor shared in 2023 that he’d taken a job as a chef to earn money while work was limited during lockdown.

He shared a photo of himself in uniform and announced his return to acting, hinting at rehearsals for a new, unannounced project.

In 2024, he appeared to have finished working as a chef and took up a role as a greenkeeper.

He posted on Instagram, acknowledging that not everyone follows his golf updates. For those who are interested, he invited them to check out his dedicated golf account, @charlieclementsgolf.

I love following his golf page! It’s so cool to see what life is like as someone who takes care of the golf course, and he even posts videos of himself practicing his swing – it’s really inspiring to watch him work on his game.

Sean Wilson

Sean Wilson went back to his regular work after his return to television acting was cut short due to allegations of a past sex offense.

The actor was famous for his role as Martin Platt on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street, which he played from 1985 to 2005, with a short return in 2018.

Sean is coming back to the show in July 2024 after nearly 20 years, and his return will tie into a story with his ex-wife, Gail (played by Helen Worth).

It was so disappointing to see a much-loved personality’s return cut short recently. After building anticipation for his comeback, things came to a sudden stop following an unsubstantiated claim from nearly three decades ago. The network simply stated ‘personal reasons’ for his exit, which felt like a real shame given how excited everyone was.

While taking a break from acting, Sean discovered a passion for cheesemaking. He’s become quite skilled, even winning awards at the British Cheese Awards and now teaches others the craft.

Taking to X, formerly Twitter, he shared some Christmas cheese recommendations for fans.

He shared a selfie from a supermarket, showing him holding a block of cheddar cheese. He tweeted at both Sainsbury’s and Tesco, noting that both stores carry the award-winning Wyke Farms Vintage British Cheddar.

‘Completely sustainable and more awards for taste than any other cheddar.

‘These will be my cheddar choice for my awesome Xmas cheese board.

‘Let me know how you get on with it.. S xx.’

Sean and his former partner, Susie Fenwick, launched a cheese-making business together called Saddleworth Cheese Company.

Tony Discipline

Tony Discipline played Tyler Moon in EastEnders.

However, he decided to quit fame and become a firefighter.

In 2024, he admitted that his time on the popular BBC show still comes back to haunt him.

He shared that people still mistakenly think his fire brigade uniform means he’s working on a new acting project. He recounted an instance where someone saw him walking back to the fire truck and asked what he was filming.

Tony recalls: ‘I said, “No, I’m a firefighter,” and he said, “No, what is it? What show’s it for?”

‘There have been a few occasions like that.’

Abigail Louise Rawlings

Abigail starred on series seven of Love Island but was only on the show for a brief period of time.

Despite gaining some income through influencer sponsorships, the artist from Surrey went back to working as a tattooist.

Abigail felt very uncomfortable with the attention she was receiving and chose to leave the public eye to focus on what she truly loved.

She explained that before appearing on Love Island, she promised her father she wouldn’t change who she was. Because she’d identified strongly with her tattoos since she was 18, she was determined to continue getting them throughout the show.

Being unable to create while staying at the villa made me feel like I’d lost a part of myself. I returned to work simply because I wanted to feel like myself again.

Once the show ended, I stepped back from work for a while to get used to being in the public eye. I initially believed I would handle the fame easily.

I started to feel really anxious, so much so that I even wore sunglasses while shopping just to avoid being noticed. I realized I needed some space to get things under control.

Glyn Wise

As a lifestyle observer, I remember when Glyn first burst onto the scene! He was only 18 when he appeared on Big Brother’s seventh season, and he actually came in as the runner-up to Pete Bennett. It was a really memorable series, and launched him into the public eye.

Since becoming known on reality TV, he’s chosen a different career direction. He announced his new job on Instagram in 2022.

The actor announced to his fans that he’s been accepted into a program to become a minister.

The man from Wales had his photo taken in his new uniform, standing at a podium inside St Michael’s Church in Camden Town.

Glyn was all in black, as he placed one hand on a bible for the shot.

He’s been working as a Pastoral Assistant at the church to gain experience, and he’s now going to Wales to finish his training.

The former TV presenter excitedly announced his acceptance into training for ordained ministry with the Church in Wales. He also expressed gratitude to the Church of England for their support during his time at Camden – St Michael’s.

Glyn announced the training program will last two years and shared, in Welsh, that he’ll begin in September. He jokingly compared starting the program to a scene from the comedy series Father Ted.

He shared that he’s loved preaching and sharing his faith. He’s excited that in two years he’ll be ordained as Father Glyn, and joked that his life will be similar to the characters in the shows ‘Vicar of Dibley’ and ‘Father Ted,’ but he’s really happy about it all!

It’s been more than 15 years since Glyn appeared on Big Brother as a young lifeguard, but he’s clearly kept in touch with other well-known people who’ve also been on the show.

I was so thrilled to see Paul Burrell offer his congratulations! And Pete Bennett? He’s always the comedian – he playfully asked if he could go to confession, pretending Paul was a priest. It was a really sweet and funny moment.

Viewers fell in love with Glyn during his season of the show as he discovered how to do everyday things like cooking and cleaning.

You might remember me being in the news a while back when I got involved in Welsh politics, supporting Plaid Cymru, right after my time on Big Brother. But things change, and I’ve recently decided to switch things up with my career!

2026-04-04 15:41

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