‘It was like going back in time’: Ray Quinn admits he was ‘humbled’ after returning to Brookside Close as a carpet fitter… 21 years after starring on Liverpool soap
Ray Quinn has revealed that he is ‘humbled’ to have taken up a job as a carpet fitter on Liverpool’s Brookside Close, where he kick-started his career in the entertainment industry.
The former X Factor star, 32, got his big break starring as Anthony Murray on the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside in 2000 at the age of 12, and portrayed the role until the series’ cancellation in 2003.
After previously working as a Hermes delivery driver after growing ‘bored’ when the coronavirus pandemic left him without work, Ray has now begun fitting carpets alongside his brothers Robin and Darren.
New role: Ray Quinn has revealed that he is ‘humbled’ to have taken up a job as a carpet fitter on Liverpool’s Brookside Close, where he kick-started his career in the entertainment industry
Speaking to The Mirror, Ray opened up about his new career and what it has been like working on Brookside Close, a place he once called home.
‘It was the most humbling feeling,’ he revealed. ‘Fond memories came flooding back.
‘I had to get a picture, it was like going back in time.’
Soap star: The former X Factor star, 32, got his big break starring as Anthony Murray on the Channel 4 soap opera Brookside in 2000 at the age of 12, and portrayed the role until the series’ cancellation in 2003
Memories: Speaking to The Mirror , Ray opened up about his new career and what it has been like working on Brookside Close, a place he once called home
The former Hollyoaks star spoke candidly about his new vocation, saying he followed in his father Ray Sr’s footsteps by becoming a carpet fitter.
During the coronavirus crisis, Ray also tried his hand at being a delivery driver as he previously revealed he got a job working for Hermes.
Speaking to the publication about his latest job, Ray said: ‘My dad was a carpet fitter all his life. He taught my brothers how to do it.
Getting involved: During the coronavirus crisis, Ray also tried his hand at being a delivery driver as he previously revealed he got a job working for Hermes
New venture: Ray Quinn has revealed he has been laying down carpets while working for his family’s business during the Covid-19 pandemic (pictured in 2019)
‘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.’
The actor added that he enjoyed spending so much time with his loved ones by working for the family business, and admitted social distancing and masks meant he was rarely recognised on the job.
Thoughts: Ray (pictured on X Factor in 2006) said his father ‘always said you can work your way out of anything; to keep your head up high – and that’s what I’ve done’
Ray recently took on a new role as a Hermes Delivery driver after growing ‘bored’ after the coronavirus pandemic put a halt to his work.
Last month, he told how ‘proud’ he was of his temporary job in which he earned £11.40 per hour, stating in a new interview that it was a ‘humbling experience’.
The actor, who has starred in Hollyoaks and Brookside among other roles, also insisted that he was ‘never shy of a hard day’s work.’
On the bright side: The actor (pictured in Hollyoaks) added that he enjoyed spending so much time with his loved ones by working for the family business
In September last year, it was reported that Ray had been working as a delivery driver and was believed to have started the job at the start of lockdown, delivering across the North West.
Discussing his role with Hermes, Ray told OK! magazine: ‘It was only ever temporary. I did it for about three months. I felt bored and needed to fill my time. It kept my mind occupied. I’m never shy of a hard day’s work.’
He went on: ‘I have massive respect for people who do it day in, day out. It was a humbling experience and I’m proud of it. There’s a sense of achievement. I’d done a full day’s work, earned a bit of pay and then got to go home to my family.’
Hard worker: During the coronavirus crisis, Ray also tried his hand at being a delivery driver for Hermes, and said it was a ‘humbling experience’
Like many sectors, the entertainment industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, with many performers and crew left without work for almost a year.
Discussing the difficult period, The Dancing On Ice winner said that it was an ‘eye-opener’, adding that it was ‘hard’ not knowing that work was never guaranteed.
However, he did embrace the positives in that he got to spend more time with his family, adding that the period has taught him to ‘leave your ego at the door’.
As well as his career, the pandemic also affected Ray’s future plans with fiancée Emily as dreams of saving for their ‘forever home’ put on hold, with the duo forced to move in with Emily’s parents.
Busy: He claimed, ‘It was only ever temporary. I did it for about three months. I felt bored and needed to fill my time. It kept my mind occupied’ (pictured in Hollyoaks)
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