Get the latest gossip

East 17’s huge Christmas hit Stay Another Day has tragic story fans don’t know about


Stay Another Day by East 17 might be a Christmas classic - but many don't know about the real heartbreaking meaning behind the song after a band member suffered a devastating loss

Written by the band’s lead songwriter, Tony Mortimer, the song was actually inspired by the tragic loss of his brother, Ollie, who took his own life. Its emotional lyrics, paired with a simple yet striking music video featuring the band in white puffer jackets against a black background with falling snow, captured the mood of the season and cemented its place as a Christmas classic. Won’t you stay another day,” are originally about Tony’s grief and yearning for his brother, though they’ve taken on a universal meaning for fans over the years.

Get the Android app

Or read this on OK! Magazine