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.
Tell us about working for Hermes…
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
A CITY OF TWO HALVES
There's a holiday for every budget to be found in Dubai, as OK!'s Faith Richardson discovered
'Christmas is a double whammy'
Chef James Martin on the pressures of dividing his time between his restaurants and his family over the festivities
LEARN HOW TO PLEASE YOURSELF
The festive season can be an incredibly stressful time, particularly for people-pleasers who struggle to put their own needs first
'There's a bit of faking it until you make it'
Actor Paul Mescal on entering the Gladiator II arena, building a blockbuster body for his role as fighter Lucius Verus, and heading up an A-list cast of Hollywood's finest stars
THE A-LIST HAIL HOLLYWOOD'S BIG HITTERS
A line-up of the film world's best-known faces attended this year's Governors Awards to celebrate lifetime achievements
'I think we arrived right on time'
The stars of the long-awaited film Wicked, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, tell us why its themes are so relevant right now and why the musical is so dear to their hearts
'No one knows who I am'
Having first found fame on social media, GK Barry has become the breakout star of this year's I'm A Celebrity
'I still pinch myself about how we met'
Now legally married, MAFS Uk’s Adam and Tayah Aveling are looking forward to Christmas with their daughter and welcoming baby number two in 2025
THE ROYAL WEEK
It was a sad week for Queen Camilla, but a good week for the royal family’s charities with visits to hospitals and homeless centres
WILLIAM AND KATE'S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS
After a challenging year for the royal family, the Prince and Princess of Wales plan to give their children an unforgettable time filled with fun and festivities
