Ray Quinn

Born in Merseyside 19 year old Ray Quinn first earned notoriety as a child actor, in 2000 beginning a three-year stint on the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside. His work as troubled teen Anthony Murray even earned a 2002 Inside Soap Award as Best Young Actor. While attending the Merseyside Dance and Drama College, Quinn auditioned for the ITV amateur talent showcase The X Factor in 2006. Judge Simon Cowell initially deemed him unfit to succeed to the semifinal round in the 16-to-24 age category but later changed his mind, and Quinn eventually made it to the final round of three, and became runner up to Leona Lewis. Cowell offered Quinn a record contract and in early 2007 he released his first album. Nothern Life spoke exclusively to Ray before his visit to King George’s Hall in Blackburn.

So, Ray, how are you today?
Not bad, not bad at all.

I believe you’re extremely busy at the moment with your planned appearance at Blackburn?
Oh yeah, definitely, on the 9th October. I can’t wait to hear some real Northern accents! Especially the Yorkshire one!

So Ray, everyone is excited about your new show what’s it going to be like?
Well, I’m performing at Kings George’s Hall in Blackburn. The show’s going to be a mixture of songs from my album and some new stuff that people haven’t heard me sing before, it’s a change as some of the songs won’t be the usual swing music.

Out of all the musical numbers you perform which one is your favourite?
It would have to be ‘Ain’t That a Kick in the Head’, it was the first swing song I ever listened to and it has always stuck in my head.

You recently appeared as a judge in ‘Baby Ballroom’, how did you find the transition from being judged on ‘Factor’ to actually being the judge?
I will admit that it was a challenge because of the role reversal but at the same time it was so much fun and a great opportunity for me. The kids really inspired me. In fact I’m even taking Latin and Ballroom dancing classes.

You were a judge alongside Bonnie Langford, what was she like to work with?
Bonnie was lovely you know, very well spoken.

Did you ever dance with Bonnie?
Yeah we had a few little twirls.

What is your favourite northern dish?
Ooooh now, I do love a good fish, chips and curry sauce or perhaps a nice kebab, however steak and chips is good when you’ve had a few pints, I just can’t decide, I love food!

What is your favourite place in the north?
Of course, I mean it has to be Liverpool.

Liverpool is a great place any suggestions on what to do there?
If you want a restaurant go to Est Est Est in the Albert Docks. I’m in there nearly every week. The food’s fantastic. My favourite dessert there is a chocolate spread wrapped in a crepe smothered in ice cream and chocolate sauce, heaven.

If you could have a lunch with anyone famous, dead or alive, who would it be?
That’s a tough question. Gene Kelly was a top bloke, one of my idols. Donald O’Connor would be a laugh as well; he starred in ‘Singing in the Rain’ with Gene Kelly, or maybe it would be Fred Astaire. They were all amazing people. Oh and not forgetting Frank Sinatra!

What I would really like to talk to you about is the XFactor. They’ve lowered the age limit this year to fourteen what are your thoughts on this?
With anything like singing, dance, gymnastics or anything, the younger the better. When you’re younger you can learn and pick up things a lot easier and with the Xfactor even at my age, I have learnt a lot about myself from the show, it makes you grow-up quickly. It can be hard and you are under a lot of pressure but if you believe in what you’re doing it doesn’t matter what age you are. I mean when I was younger I knew exactly what I wanted to do and now that I’m doing it it’s a dream come true. It was always a pleasure for me; I started acting when I was three.

How was it having Simon Cowell as a mentor?
It was brilliant; he was a great inspiration to me and offered me plenty of support.

Are you still in touch with Simon Cowell?
Not recently, we’re both very busy at the moment but we will be catching up when I release my second album and the tour has finished.

Do you still keep in touch with Leona?
Yeah, she is in America at the moment but we are always phoning each other and keep in contact, her album is coming out soon.

Your swing album ‘Ray Quinn’ was released in March, how has that gone?
It’s been going really well. It went to number one and became a platinum album.

Ray Quinn will be playing at The King George’s Hall in Blackburn on the 9th October.

Interview from issue 16 oct/nov 07. To order this issue go to the Northern Life online store.