Ray Quinn has spoken about his time on The X Factor and lifted the lid on the relationship he shared with the judges and others on the show. The 36-year-old first shot to stardom as Anthony Murray in hit Merseyside soap Brookside.
He has gone on to enjoy a career in showbiz as he rose to further prominence when he appeared on series 3 of the X Factor in 2006. Ray enjoyed further national television exposure when he won season four of Dancing On Ice in 2009 and the all star edition in 2014.
On his X Factor stint, Ray wowed the judges and the nation, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Leona Lewis. Speaking to Smooth Spins, former X Factor star Ray spoke about behind the scenes.
Ray shared that X Factor creator and judge Simon Cowell had a “softer side” and revealed after every performance Simon would put an arm around him and offer him praise. The former Brookside star added: “He cared and wanted me to do well. He would always say he felt proud of me.” However, over the years, the two have lost contact with one another but Ray still “looks back” fondly.
He also shared his fond memories of judge Sharon Osbourne. Sharon was a judge on The X Factor UK for a total of seven years, spanning across four different series. She appeared on the panel from 2004 to 2007, then again in 2013, and from 2016 to 2017.
Speaking about Sharon, Ray said: “Sharon was a big part of my life, even after the show. When I flew out to LA to record my album, she reached out and invited me to her house for dinner.
“I went to their Beverly Hills home that was featured on their reality show The Osbournes, so that was pretty surreal. Ozzy was there too, and he was such an amazing guy.
“I remember we sat down and had lamb to eat and lots of cups of tea. There were about 20 dogs running around, and Sharon even let me walk one around the neighbourhood.”
Ray described Ozzy as “so kind” and recalled the rock legend asking about his music, before telling him to “keep going” and enjoy every minute.
The Scouser added: “It was like sitting with one of my mates’ dads. He showed me all of his paintings that he liked to do too. He had a little art studio by the pool, and there were loads on the walls. He was a great artist and a wonderful man.”
In April, in a video which has been watched over 450,000 times, the entertainer, who hails from Gateacre, said: “Let’s set the record straight, what does Ray Quinn do now?
“I work on the cruise ships. So come with me as I travel half way across the world from London to the Caribbean.” The performer showed a glimpse of the room he performs inside on the cruise ships.
He added: “The audiences have been fantastic so, again, thanks to everyone who has come to see me so far. Please continue to do so, but here’s a little taster of that.”
Eight days after his death, Ozzy Osbourne will make his final journey through his home city of Birmingham as fans, friends and family say goodbye this afternoon.