X Factor star Ray Quinn has been flooded with support after announcing on social media that his baby boy was 'born sleeping' in a tragic update.
Ray, who finished in second place on the third series of ITV singing competition The X Factor behind Leona Lewis in 2006, shared the news on Instagram. He and his wife Emily, who he married in 2023, share a daughter named Summer, who was born in 2022.
In a post on Sunday evening (October 11), Ray announced the news that their baby boy, Rio Quinn, was born sleeping on August 20. He announced the news with a black and white photo of him and Emily in hospital holding their son.
Tribute to Rio Quinn
Ray captioned his post: "'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.
"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, and 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!"
Support from friends and family
He continued: "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!
"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. Forever our Angel 'RIO QUINN'."
The comments section of Ray's post saw a number of his famous friends expressing their sympathies and sending their support to him and Emily during their difficult time.
Celebrity condolences
Former Coronation Street actress Kym Marsh said: "Oh Ray I'm so sorry. I know this pain only too well. Sending so much love." Ray's niece and former Love Island contestant Lucy Quinn added: "So sorry thinking of you both always."
Former Corrie and Hollyoaks actress Lucy-Jo Hudson wrote: "Ah ray, Emily? I am heartbroken for you both and your family! Thinking of you at this sad sad time." TOWIE's Jessica Wright posted: "Sending so so much love."
Emmerdale's Hayley Tamaddon commented: "Ray…. my heart breaks for you both. I'm so sorry my friend." X Factor 2013 winner Sam Bailey stated: "Oh Ray I'm so sorry my darlin xx no one should ever have to go through this xxx be strong babe!!!! Sending love to you all at this difficult time."
Rising to fame on the classic soap Brookside, where he played Anthony Murray from 2000 to 2003, Ray gained further recognition on The X Factor. He went on to win Dancing on Ice in 2009 and its 'All Stars' series in 2014.
Prior to meeting Emily in 2017, Ray was previously married to Emma Stephens. He shares a son named Harry, born in 2012, with his ex-wife.
