TV stars who have tried 'normal' jobs away from the spotlight

EastEnders star Nitin Ganatra has revealed that he is working in his family shop after finding fame in Walford.

The actor starred as postman Masood Ahmed for 12 years but left in 2019.

He is now helping out in his family’s newsagents while still working as an actor.

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He told The Sun: “People do double takes when I'm there helping my brother with the papers at 4.30 in the morning, and especially working in the shop. It's a bit bizarre.

“But it’s my family's business, so why would I not help out?”

Ganatra is not the only TV star to go on to have a ‘normal’ job.

Lee MacDonald

MacDonald is best known for playing Zammo in Grange Hill in the 80s and occasionally still pops up on TV.

But in recent years he has also been focused on his role as a locksmith.

He bought the business in Surrey in 2000 and has had it ever since.

And he has said that his role as Zammo, who was at the centre of a huge drugs storyline, has helped when it comes to finding business.

Glyn Wise

Wise found fame as a contestant on Big Brother in 2006 but went on to become a priest.

Last year Wise said on This Morning that he had always had faith.

"I grew up in a religious family, got baptised and went to Sunday school as a kid," he said.

“I prayed my way into Big Brother.

"I was asking God, 'Can you please just get me into the Big Brother house?' I also went on holiday to Ireland and I kissed the Blarney Stone as well, and asked, ‘Can I go into Big Brother please?'"

Tony Discipline

Discipline made his name in EastEnders, playing Alfie Moon’s cousin Tyler from 2011 to 2013.

However, a few years later he changed things up and trained as a firefighter.

The former Albert Square star has been quoted as saying that he signed up because he wanted to do something to help the community.

And he regularly shares photos on Instagram showing him in his London Fire Brigade uniform.

Charlie Clements

Former EastEnders star Charlie Clements worked as a chef in a garden centre during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Bradley Branning actor told Metro: "I’d always enjoyed cooking so I applied and they took me on. I was thrown in at the deep end. It was hard work but I’ve enjoyed it.”

When the eating area was closed because of COVID restrictions he also worked in the plant department there.

Jason Manford

Manford also tried something new during the pandemic, getting a job driving OAPs to their medical appointments.

The comedian initially applied for a supermarket position as many stores struggled to meet increased demand from shoppers.

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He didn’t get the job but managed to do his bit anyway by helping out with elderly patients.

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