I’m A Celeb star George Shelley forced to work shifts in a coffee shop after Union J singer ‘rinsed all his cash and gave up on music’

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Previously a member of the band Union J, George Shelley has disclosed that he had to take up part-time jobs at a Chi Chi’s coffee shop in Enfield following the depletion of his funds and deciding to temporarily step back from music.

32-year-old former member of The X Factor band, who gained stardom alongside JJ Hamblett, George Shelley, Josh Cuthbert, and Jaymi Hensley, made an appearance on I’m A Celebrity in 2015 following their fame.

George quit the group in 2016 after they were founded as a four-piece on the talent show in 2011.

Apart from his musical success, this artist has experienced a challenging decade due to the loss of his younger sister, Harriet. Sadly, she passed away at the tender age of 21 in 2017 following a fatal car accident that left her with severe brain trauma.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase that as follows: After battling some challenging financial times, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve found my passion once again – this time in the form of a new band called Lightlines. My talented partners-in-music are Alex Pothecary and Will Jackson, and together we’re ready to make some beautiful music!

Speaking candidly, last year found me immersed in a flurry of activities, managing social media accounts for others, editing videos, and juggling tasks at local cafés.

At that place, I worked for four separate stints. Throughout these periods, Alex served as my supervisor, and given my energetic nature, I was quite productive, often working with vigor. However, my high energy level also led to frequent mishaps such as knocking things over or slipping. Additionally, my passion for music had waned.

Or, more informally:

I worked there four times, and during each stint, Alex was in charge. Being quite energetic, I got a lot done while I was there, but I also managed to knock things over and slip frequently. As for music, it’s not something I’m as passionate about anymore.

When discussing his sister’s death, which occurred nearly ten years ago under tragic circumstances, he expressed that coping with the sorrow, coupled with the industry’s rejection, proved to be an overwhelming experience for him.

‘My coping mechanisms were toxic for a long time and I was just in the wrong environments.’

In 2018, George confessed that following his sister’s passing, he nearly took his own life. He also shared that he developed agoraphobia and had to start taking antidepressants due to her death’s aftermath.

In discussing the social taboo surrounding mental illness and grief, George was probed about contemplating suicide. His response was, ‘Well, I guess I wasn’t mentally sound during that time, and I prefer not to use harsh words because the thought never sat well with me.’

Initially, I had been visiting a psychotherapist. On three separate occasions, he suggested that I try antidepressant medication. By the third instance, he urged me, saying, “This is it, come on, George,” which made me apprehensive about how others might perceive me.

In the third instance, I came to terms with it. Recognizing your struggles and realizing that they are temporary solutions intended to assist you during this period.

‘The medication and support with medical professionals helps you, it clears the path for you. 

At a gathering for siblings who have experienced the loss of their brothers or sisters, I’ve found it helpful to discuss and express my feelings.

George shared that around the end of last year, he started developing a fear of leaving home, or agoraphobia, as Harriet’s birthday approached, which fell on Christmas Day.

Agoraphobia refers to an anxiety condition where individuals experience intense fear and tend to evade locations or circumstances suspected to induce panic, feelings of being confined, powerless, or humiliated.

He said: ‘Towards the end of last year I was in a really rubbish place I needed to get out of that.

‘My sister’s birthday was Christmas day, so getting past that as a family was really testing.

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2025-09-05 00:20