Former Brookside and Hollyoaks star Ray Quinn and his wife Emily have shared the heartbreaking news that their son Rio was stillborn on August 20.
The actor, 38, who began his career in Brookside and later appeared in Hollyoaks, married dance teacher Emily Fletcher in October 2023. The couple were due to expand their blended family, already sharing daughter Summer Reign, four, while Ray has Harry, 14, with ex-wife Emma Stephens, and Emily has Lucian, 13, from a past relationship.
Couple's heartfelt tribute
Taking to Instagram, the couple revealed the devastating news alongside a photo taken in the hospital. They wrote: '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 🫶🏼'
Gratitude to hospital staff
A grieving Ray and Emily thanked the staff at the Liverpool Women's University Hospital for going 'above and beyond' in what was the 'most heartbreaking week of [their] lives', still helping them to 'create some of the most beautiful moments'.
'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!', they added.
Support from friends and fans
On the decision to speak publicly about their loss, the couple admitted it was not one they 'took lightly', but they were keen to help others 'who find themselves in a similar situation'.
'Forever our Angel "RIO QUINN" 🤍🪽', the post concluded.
Fans and famous friends flooded the comments with supportive messages. Kym Marsh, whose son, Archie, died shortly after birth in 2009, wrote: 'Oh Ray I'm so sorry 💔 I know this pain only too well. Sending so much love xx'
Sam Bailey, who won The X Factor in 2013, commented: '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'. Corrie's Lucy-Jo Hudson said she was 'heartboken' for the pair, with Jess Wright adding: 'Sending so so much love 🪽💔'
Ray Quinn's career
Liverpool-born entertainer Ray became known for playing Anthony Murray in Brookside from 2000 to 2003 as a child. Then, in 2006, he finished runner-up to Leona Lewis, mentored by Simon Cowell, on The X Factor, and went on to release his own swing music. In 2009, he wowed with his skills on Dancing On Ice, winning alongside professional skater Maria Filippov before lifting the trophy once more in 2014's All Stars series.
Following various panto stints and live gigs, Ray was cast in Hollyoaks as Jonny Baxter in 2018. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, he spoke openly about working as a delivery driver for Hermes, then began a career laying carpets at his family firm, alongside his brothers.
Sands UK charity Sands supports everyone touched by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby. Sands offers many types of bereavement support, including a national helpline and a UK-wide network of local groups offering support in the community. The charity puts bereaved parents' experiences at the heart of research, to better understand why babies die and how maternity care can be improved to save lives. And Sands works to keep pregnancy and baby loss at the top of the political agenda across the UK. Please visit the Sands website for more information and contact details.
