ALWAYS ON SONG ‘I'M PROUD OF MY TIME AS A DELIVERY DRIVER'

SINGER RAY QUINN AND FIANCÉE EMILY FLETCHER OPEN UP TO OK! ABOUT WEDDING PLANS, THEIR BLENDED FAMILY AND HIS UNEXPECTED CAREER MOVE DURING THE PANDEMIC

- KIRSTY HATCHER

Ray Quinn has long been a fixture on our TV screens, from finishing runner-up on The X Factor to starring in Brookside and winning Dancing On Ice – twice.

But like many in the entertainment industry, he found his work outlook bleak in last year’s Covid-19 lockdown – and hit the headlines after taking a job as a Hermes delivery driver.

When we catch up with Ray and his dancer fiancée Emily Fletcher for our exclusive shoot, the star tells us he was “humbled” by his experience, which helped the couple save for their dream home in a challenging time. “I’m never shy of a hard day’s work,” he says.

Ray, 32, and Emily, 27, have been together for five years and got engaged in 2019, when he got down on one knee on New Year’s Eve. And while Ray is father to Harry, eight, from his former marriage and Emily has son Lucian, seven, from a previous relationship, the “broody” couple are also keen to start a family of their own.

Here, they open up to OK! about their tough times – including losing Ray’s dad in December – plus wedding details and planning for the future…

It’s been a tough time for the entertainment industry. How have you found things?

Ray: The pandemic has been an eye-opener. The hardest thing has been not being able to work and realising work is never guaranteed. But at the same time I’ve had quality time with my family. It’s taught me not to sit back and feel sorry for myself, and you have to leave your ego at the door.