X Factor 3 Preview - Raymond Quinn

Raymond Quinn
Manager – Simon Cowell
Odds – 14/1 (Outright), 5/1 (16-24 Winner)

Raymond Quinn is an 18 year old student from Liverpool and almost didn't make it to the final 12 of the X Factor. On the second day of Bootcamp Raymond sang 'Easy' by The Commodores and while Simon Cowell and Sinitta agreed he was a 'cheeky and likeable' contestant they were not sure about his credentials and initially told him 'no'.

However at the end of the second day, as Raymond was about to leave, Simon decided he had made a mistake in letting him go and after talking to the executive producers of the show he called Raymond back to tell him 'Raymond, I made a mistake, I want you to come to my home visit'.

Raymond lives at home with his parents in Liverpool and he has two older brothers who own a carpet warehouse. He describes his girlfriend of one year Kirsty as his closest friend.

He is currently studying performing arts at The Merseyside Dance and Drama College and during his stay there has had some vocal training and has learnt to dance to an advanced level.

Sharp eyed viewers may remember Raymond as 'Anthony Murray' in defunct soap Brookside, a role which earned him a Soap Award in 2002 for 'Best Dramatic Performance' and the story in which he killed a girl who was bullying him won 'Best Storyline of 2003'.

'To win that accolade at such a young age was an amazing experience' said Ray, 'being in Brookside was the only job I've ever had and it was the best one'.

After finishing with acting, Ray was unsure of what to do with his life, so two years ago began singing lessons and found he really enjoyed it.

One of his proudest moments is winning £5000 prize money in Manchester based talent competition 'Search for a Star' and performing in Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall for a Tsunami Aid concert.

On the first day of the X Factor auditions Raymond sang Dean Martin's 'Ain't That A Kick In The Head' and 'Devil In Disguise' by Elvis Presley. All the judges were impressed with him and Simon Cowell descrived him as 'a young Robbie (Williams)'. Louis Walsh thought he had 'great potential' while Sharon Osbourne said he was a 'natural' and told him 'I love you Raymond'.

Raymond decided to stick with what he knew at Bootcamp and performed 'Devil in Disguise'. This time Simon thought he was 'a bit stage school' but also thought he was 'cheeky' and 'has charisma'.