New Documentary Follows East 17 Reunion

At the height of boy band hysteria in the pop fuelled 1990’s, ‘bad boys of pop’, east London’s East 17 gained instant success as an anecdote their clean-cut nemesis, Take That.

After 20 top ten hits, four top 10 albums and 40 million record sales including the Christmas No.1, ‘Stay Another Day’, East 17 had a dramatic fall from grace. Now, after a decade apart the group stage a massive comeback at the behest of their fans, and in the hope of landing a million pound recording contract.

East 17–The Reunion follows the band as they launch their second crack at fame, whilst telling the incredible story of their spectacular rise, and fall. This exclusive documentary is a rare and fascinating glimpse into the inner sanctum of the music industry. The programme features unique access into the band’s personal lives including interviews with each member and their families, as well as ex-manager Tom Watkins, as they follow their dream of musical success.

As East 17, Brian Harvey, Tony Mortimer, Terry Coldwell and John Hendy sold more records worldwide, than their rivals. However, during a radio interview singer Brian Harvey’s controversial comments about his use of the drug ecstasy caused a huge media uproar including a mention in the House of Commons. His untimely comments came following mass media coverage on a teenager’s death from taking the drug and marked the beginning of the end…. Harvey became public enemy No.1 causing TV and radio stations across the county to ban East 17 records.

Despite Brian’s public apology, there was no going back. The other band members sanctimoniously sacked him and after six years of success, the band fell apart; Tony became an agoraphobic recluse and suffered from anorexia; John returned to his pre-band job as a roofer and Terry left the country to run a bar in Spain.

Meanwhile, Brian embarked upon a catalogue of personal disaster.
In 2001 Harvey was left needing plastic surgery following a horrific attack outside a nightclub; his five-year marriage ended; he was then declared bankrupt and in 2002, he was jailed for breaching an injunction taken out by his estranged wife.

Two years later after an alleged suicide attempt, Harvey entered a clinic for depression. Weeks later, he was crushed under the wheels of his Mercedes in a freak accident which almost claimed his life and led to a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

Today, East 17 put a decade of animosity and bitter legacy behind them. Following the hugely successful comeback of former rivals Take That, and the demand from devotees across the globe the band dive back into the spotlight. Using his own money, Tony and his former band mates embark on a master comeback plan. First up is a gig at Shepherd's Bush Empire... but will it help the band get the things they want above all else... a record deal and a lucrative tour?

East 17-The Reunion will broadcast on Tuesday 29th May, 10pm on Channel 4.