X Factor star Ray Quinn has shared a heartbreaking post to confirm that his baby boy, Rio, was “born sleeping”. The 38-year-old singer welcomed a son with his wife Emily in August, and this weekend shared the devastating news with followers on social media.
Emotional tribute to Rio
Dancing on Ice star Ray said in a joint post with Emily: “Rio Quinn. Our beautiful boy, born sleeping… 20th August 2026. No words will ever be enough, just a lot of indescribable feelings. Heaven gained the most beautiful little angel and we were overjoyed when Rio was born and we found out we had a little boy!! The last few weeks have been a lot but our saving grace has been each other.”
ITV star Ray continued: “We just want to say a special thanks to Becky, Rebecca, Ali, Marie, Sarah & Lorraine @liverpoolwomens and to the HoneySuckle team you go above and beyond.
“Although it was the most heartbreaking week of our lives you created some of the most beautiful moments and we have such special memories with our boy to keep forever. Thank you!
“When it's you that goes through such heartbreaking times like this, you soon find out just how much help and support there is out there. It's a whole lot more than you’d ever expect. And it's truly amazing!”
Opening up on YouTube
Ray said: “We talk more about this on our YouTube THE QUINNS.
“This episode was hard to film and was not a decision we took lightly and honestly something we never thought we would be talking about, but it's real life and by us opening up and talking about this, we hope it helps those out there who find themselves in a similar situation to us.”
He concluded the post by saying: “Forever our Angel RIO QUINN.”
Alongside the statement, Ray shared a black-and-white photograph of Emily in hospital, holding their baby Rio, who was wrapped in a towel, while Ray kissed her. Rio’s face was covered with a love heart emoji.
Tributes from co-stars
Tributes flooded in from Ray’s former co-stars, with X Factor star Sam Bailey posting: “Oh, Ray, I'm so sorry, my darling. No one should ever have to go through this. Be strong, babe!!!! Sending love to you all at this difficult time.
