X Factor’s Ray Quinn looks unrecognisable as he enjoys stag do in Dublin – 15 years on from his successful stint on the talent show
He finished in second place behind Leona Lewis on the third series of The X Factor in 2006.
But swing singer Ray Quinn, 35, quit his life of fame to become a labourer when the coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020.
And he now looks unrecognisable having grown out his hair and inked his arms with tattoo sleeves.
In a picture posted on Instagram on Monday, Ray appeared in great spirits as he enjoyed his stag do in Dublin after proposing to long-term partner Emily Ashleigh.
He donned a grey t-shirt which had pictures of him printed across the front and it read: ‘star of stage & screen Quinny’s stag do’
On a new path: Ray Quinn, 35, looks unrecognisable after quitting his life of fame to become a labourer when the coronavirus pandemic hit in March 2020
Getting married: In a new picture posted on Instagram on Monday, Ray appeared in great spirits as he enjoyed his stag do in Dublin
He captioned the post: ‘Stag do. What a boss time it was.. with all the boys in Dublin, pint of Guinness and a UFC belt to boot.. loved every minute.. still feeling it but memories to last a lifetime.. nice one boys’
Ray made British music history after competing on The X Factor by becoming the youngest male artist to reach the top spot of the UK album chart without releasing a single.
He went on to have a successful jazz career and also appeared in many musical productions and plays throughout the UK.
The performer went on to take part in Dancing On Ice in 2009 and the All Stars edition in 2014, winning both series.
He later took on the role of right-wing extremist Jonny Baxter in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks for one year between 2018 and 2019.
In his personal life, Ray married Emma Stephens in 2012 but they later divorced in 2015. They share son Harry together.
Ray, who resides in Liverpool, is now engaged to girlfriend Emily Ashleigh.
New look: He now looks unrecognisable having grown out his hair and inked his arms with tattoo sleeves
Happy couple: Ray, who resides in Liverpool, is now engaged to girlfriend long-term Emily Ashleigh
Family: They welcome their first child together, a baby girl called Summer, last year
They welcome their first child together, a baby girl called Summer, last year.
Ray and Emily, who is a professional dancer, became engaged at the end of 2019 and have been busy planning their upcoming wedding.
Before the pandemic, the star was in the cast of a play at Liverpool’s Royal Court Theatre but, when he learned he would not receive government support when the production was cancelled, he took on a job as a Hermes delivery driver.
However, he now works as a carpet fitter in the family business with brothers Darren and Robin after losing his father to cancer in November last year.
He previously told OK! magazine: ‘My dad was a carpet fitter all his life. He taught my brothers how to do it.
‘When I first started, I actually went to work in my dad’s old uniform. He’d always said you can work your way out of anything; to keep your head up high – and that’s what I’ve done.’
The Sun also reported that Ray had ‘taken up a job as a Hermes delivery driver earning £11.40 per hour’ after he ‘feared getting bored’ during lockdown.
Glitterati: The pop star went on to appear on Dancing On Ice in 2009 and on the All Stars edition in 2014, winning both series (pictured with skater Alexandra Schauman)
Born to perform: Ray took on the role of right-wing extremist Jonny Baxter in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks for one year between 2018 and 2019
The former TV personality is believed to have started the job at the start of lockdown and delivers across the North West.
He is ‘really popular’ with fans and was described by a friend as a ‘hard-grafting lad’ who ‘naturally loves being on the move’, according to the publication.
The source said: ‘He feared getting bored so applied for a job with Hermes and has been dropping off packages ever since.
‘It’s kept him busy and he’s really popular — especially with fans who want a selfie.’
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