Category Entertainment News

In the third season of The X Factor, he finished behind Leona Lewis, but Ray Quinn’s life has been a bit different.

Ray Quinn captivated TV audiences with his vintage swing style on The X Factor’s third series in 2006, nearly clinching the title, finishing second to vocal powerhouse Leona Lewis.

However, the now-37 year old star is now barely recognisable from the days when he filled venues and was stopped in the street. His signature Elvis-style jet-black hair no longer sports a quiff and his once youthful face is now adorned with a thick, black beard. Plus both arms and the backs of his hands are heavily tattooed.

The star, born in Merseyside, went on from X Factor to release a chart-topping album, Doin’ It My Way – featuring tracks like Ain’t That A Kick In The Head and My Way – but after a 30-date UK tour, he was dropped by Simon Cowell’s Syco record label at the end of 2007. Unfazed, Ray showcased his impressive skating abilities on Dancing On Ice in 2009 and the All Star series in 2014, winning both shows.

READ MORE: Stacey Solomon joins Britain’s Got Talent after Simon Cowell health crisis

His fame didn’t stop there – roles in pantomime and musical theatre followed, and in 2018 Ray returned to his soap opera roots. Having previously portrayed the troubled Anthony Murray in Channel 4’s Brookside from 2000 to 2003, he then took on the role of Jonny Baxter in Hollyoaks, departing a year later.

In his personal life, Ray became engaged to his girlfriend, dancer and teacher Emily Fletcher in 2020, and the pair announced the arrival of their daughter, Summer Reign, in September 2022. Ashleigh also has a son from a previous relationship. The couple married in October 2023, with Emily describing the day as ‘a magical fairytale’ and on Thursday, 2 October, Ray shared a pic of the happy day on his Instagram.

View 4 Images

He and actress Emma Stephens had been married in Barbados in 2012, but they broke up in February 2015 after giving birth to their son, Harry.

Ray’s ‘normal’ roots don’t seem to have changed, as he revealed he was working as a courier for Hermes’ parcel delivery service when the Coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020, earning £11.40 per hour.

No one can be fussy about their jobs, a source told The Sun at the time. A hard-working youngster named Ray enjoys being out, doing things, and meeting new people.

View 4 Images

Ray and his brothers Rob and Darren started working in the family carpet fitting business a year later.

Although his father tragically passed away from cancer in 2020, Ray told The Mirror: “Dad knew I was going to help Rob and encouraged me to do it – but laughed when I said I’d lifted my first tool. 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. It was good to be with my family during that difficult time.”

View 4 Images

Now the star has announced a string of seasonal shows, Ray Quinn: A Swinging Christmas. They kick off in Liverpool on 12 November, and finish in Luton on 20 December.

READ MORE: ‘I love this electric blanket – it costs 1p to use and is perfect for the colder weather’

Fans are transitioning to the new “orange era” with cozy autumn knits now that Taylor Swift’s new album is finally available for streaming, and we’ve found the ideal, affordable piece.

View 2 Images

Taylor Swift fans are well-versed in the process, as a new album release signals a style change, and this week is no exception. With “Life Of A Showgirl” being made available for streaming, Swifties are kicking off the “orange era” of their careers. The new album’s color scheme. As we enter the autumnal season, this color palette changes perfectly.

However, we’ve found the best high-street option to go with Taylor’s official $70 orange cardigan without spending too much money on it.

READ MORE: Giffgaff and Sky compete against a new network’s £5 phone plan.

READ MORE: Expert’s £25 hack reduces heating costs as the energy price cap rises.

View 2 Images

This New Look knit would ordinarily cost you £34.99, but it is currently available for purchase for a reduced price of £26.24 at the time of writing. This cardigan is available in sizes 6 through 12 and in the Taylor-approved orange color as well as purple, pastel blue, and black.

This vibrant orange cardigan features long puff sleeves and buttons up to reveal a V-neckline that echoes the hem cut out, giving it a contemporary and straightforward design while keeping to this season’s Swifty style.

This knit is a regular length knit that is ideal for layering or wearing as a statement top because of its relaxed fit and promise to look good on any body type. One customer even mentions that they are “typically a size 14; I ordered a size 12 and it fits perfectly.”

This cardigan already has an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars on New Look’s website, which isn’t the only one who is obsessed with it. One customer exclaims, “This is really flattering and comfortable. The arms’ design is a nice change from the norm.

And another customer raves: “Such a gorgeous piece which is able to be dressed up at Christmas or down during Autumn. Quality is great, it’s a thick, heavy but super soft material. The colour is gorgeous for autumn/ winter and I know I will get so much wear out of this item! Fit is spot on, no gaping around the buttons. I’m a size 12 with a bigger chest, so sometimes find cardigans in my size can pull at the button area. So pleased with my purchase!”

Although this customer does have a gripe about the “jumper is shorter than shown,” praise is pourging from the buyer, who writes, “Great quality knit, feels very on trend! I like the fit around/around the bump because I’m pregnant. Although I don’t usually like baggier sleeves, these don’t make a statement because they just feel cozy and useful while still being cute.

And the sixth chimes in with “Warm and cozy fitted cardigan in a lovely maroony brown color.” Very heavy and heavy in weight. Great fit and quality, true to size. The color will look great with a variety of autumn hues. “Look forward to the colder days”!

Susan Lucas, also known as Soo Catwoman, was a fashion and punk legend who had a striking appearance with her distinctive hairstyle and dramatic makeup.

3 images to be seen

Soo Catwoman, a songwriter and fashion icon, passed away at the age of 70 after being unconscious. The model, who went by the real name Susan Lucas, once resided with the Sex Pistols’ notorious bassist, Sid Vicious, and had a close relationship with them.

She “recently fell ill, was taken to a hospital, and shortly thereafter fell into a coma, which she sadly never awoke from,” according to her children Shem and Dion Lucas. Her devastated family confirmed that she passed away on September 30 while “surrounded by her family and loved ones.”

Her children added, “We are completely devastated by her loss; it occurred untilly and quickly.

3 images to be seen

She was a very kind and compassionate person who, during her time on earth, supported the underprivileged and always gave to those in need whenever she could. She also had a lot of power and inspiration, and for the past 49 years, her image has been largely unmistakable.

“She pushed forward the frontiers of fashion with her handmade clothing accessories, her striking makeup and of course her signature ‘Soo Catwoman’ hairstyle. She remains a huge inspiration in the worlds of music, art and fashion, her image is timeless and as striking today as it was in 1976.”, reports the Daily Star.

In Sex Pistols, the drama starring Danny Boyle, actor Jude Law’s daughter Iris portrayed her. Based on Steve Jones’s autobiography, the 2022 TV series was based.

3 images to be seen

Her family wrote in their tribute that she lived in “silent dignity” and “never sought to capitalize on her fame and lived a simple life.” They claimed in their tribute that she had chosen to “adopt her own parenting style” rather than to pursue fame and fortune.

Her children have started a GoFundMe appeal to fund a memorial for her that fans, friends, and family can visit. They explained that because of her “cared so much for others,” she never had any intention of “massing personal wealth.”

Due to the unexpected nature of her death and the limited resources available, they asked if anyone would like to contribute to her funeral expenses so that we can give her the dignified send off she deserves. Any and all assistance that people would like to give us would be greatly appreciated.

If there is any money left, the relatives said they would look into “the possibility of establishing a permanent memorial in her honor.”

After Ofgem announced its new price cap, millions of households will see an increase in energy bills this winter. However, this expert has a straightforward £25 that could save you money.

View 2 Images

Ofgem announced its new price cap at the end of August, which will cause millions of UK homes to pay more in gas and electricity this winter. This expert has discovered a simple and affordable way to stay warm and cozy without turning on your heating if you want to spend more on your monthly energy bills.

Starting in October, the price cap will increase by 2%. Your bill will increase by £12 for every £100 you spend on gas and electricity. The price cap is expected to increase by 1%, according to the majority of analysts. More information is available here.

This perfect pumpkin spice-themed product from Amazon is the perfect recipe for Stacey Solomon to make treats.

READ MORE: Vodafone is discounting the new iPhone 17 Pro by up to £400. Find out how to get it.

View 2 Images

Many households will be experimenting with ways to maintain their budget while the price of gas is rising and the temperature is dropping.

Sally Bonser, a specialist at Silentnight, has provided some helpful advice to ensure you and your home keep as much warmth as possible this winter and the fall.

“Place up as much as you can before turning the heating up as the temperature drops.” To add insulation, thermal tops and leggings can be worn underneath clothing, and coats, fleeces, and hoodies can be layered over tops for added warmth.

Oversized hoodies offer a comforting yet pleasantly warm layer when lounging around the house. Without the need for electricity, the Silentnight Heat Genie Self-Heating Oversized Hoodie has a special heat-reflecting foil layer that reflects body heat back.

The Silentnight Heat Genie Self-Heating Oversized Hoodie is ideal for those who enjoy a little warmth in the fall and winter because it has a special heat-reflecting foil layer that reflects your body heat back to you, giving you extra cozy warmth without using electricity.

For the ultimate snuggly comfort, it has a plush fabric outer and a warm sherpa fleece inner, which is delectably soft and snug. One size fits all, and the hoodie has a generous comfort fit.

This cozy self-heating hoodie helps lower your heating bills during the colder months, whether you’re lounging on the sofa, working from home, or entertaining friends in the garden.

Amanda Holden, an ITV presenter, has previously come under fire on Britain’s Got Talent and her social media accounts.

View 4 Images

Amanda Holden found herself in trouble with the BBC following a controversial Instagram post. The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 54, is renowned for her busy social media activity, offering followers insights into her personal life and current ventures. But one particular mention sparked controversy.

Amanda has regularly posted pictures of herself working backstage on the BBC’s popular programme Amanda and Alan’s Spanish Job, where she transforms properties alongside comedian pal Alan Carr. In one photograph, she definitely demonstrated her ability to renovate dilapidated properties, appearing professional in overalls whilst wielding a power drill.

READ MORE: Amanda Holden teases ‘gorgeous’ new location of Alan Carr series dubbed ‘best yet’

View 4 Images

The celebrity, who plays the new queen of Saturday nights hosting quiz show The Celebrity Inner Circle for the corporation, was in trouble when she appeared in a marketing video for the network while dressed as the same as “Hadmandy” from the home improvement program, according to The Daily Mail. In an effort to promote BundleBerry, Amanda had previously shared the 30-second video on Instagram earlier this year.

After the episode, Amanda allegedly received a firm reprimand from BBC executives, who confronted her behaviour owing to stringent regulations preventing hosts from appearing in commercials linked to their television programmes. The guidelines specify: “Actors and artists who perform in BBC output should not appear in promotional work, including advertisements, in a way which mimics or replicates their on-air roles for the BBC.”

View 4 Images

Amanda has been reminded of her responsibilities as a BBC presenter when using social media, according to a BBC spokesperson at the time.

Nick Knowles was found in a similar predicament in May 2021 after breaking BBC rules for his appearance in a breakfast cereal advertisement.

The DIY SOS host was featured in a marketing campaign for Nestlé’s Shreddies, where he appeared sporting a hard hat and tool belt – mirroring his appearance on the BBC makeover programme – and provided DIY tips to a household about kick-starting their morning.

Amanda’s latest venture for the BBC, The Celebrity Inner Circle, sees her testing gameshow players on what they know… and who they can trust. On Saturday, 4 October, the show will kick off with celebs including Jeff Brazier, Zara McDermott and Lou Sanders pairing up with the public to win cash.

There is also a weekday edition of the show where the public are on their own without star support, starting next Monday at 4.30pm on BBC1.

View 4 Images

As they battle it out in a series of difficult rounds, each player only has the ability to tell the truth about themselves and is not required to do so.

Amanda mentioned the intriguing concept behind The Inner Circle, saying, “It has elements from other shows that you might recognize, like The Weakest Link, Traitors, and Golden Balls with Jasper Carrot all in one!”

Previously, Amanda has starred in hit shows including Wild at Heart and presented on This Morning and The Door. She is married to record producer Chris Hughes and the couple have two daughters, Lexi and Hollie. Amanda’s first marriage to Les Dennis was punctuated by an affair with actor Neil Morrissey.

READ MORE: ‘I tested this £28 foundation – it’s a dream and made my face glow all day’