RAY Quinn doesn’t look anything like the young Liverpudlian he was back in 2006 when he came second in the X Factor.

His body building programme and tattoos have given him a look that wouldn’t be out of place in a Jason Statham movie.

On a more personal level, is marriage, to his former co-star Emma Stephens (they met in Grease when Emma played Sandy) has broken up.

And he reveals he has learned from experience he doesn’t want to be a straight actor.

Ray, who is in Glasgow this week starring in musical comedy The Wedding Singer, realised drama wasn’t for him on his last theatre tour, in stage play Little Voice.

“That was a dark piece,” he admits, “and that was the only serious play I’ll ever do.

“It was enjoyable to appear in at the time, and I learned a lot, but I honestly don’t think plays are for me.

“I like the more physical side of performing on stage. Acting is a bit too limiting for me. I like dancing, moving around. So it was a slow ten months.”

The 28 year-old adds; “I’m quite a hyper person. I love the set ups and warm ups, and if you just go out to do acting it’s all a bit of an anti-climax.”

Ray, who trained in musical theatre from the age of three and was eight when he first worked in Brookside, is much more suited, he says to his current role as shifty businessman Glen in The Wedding Singer, the theatre musical based on the 1998 movie which featured Adam Sandler.

“I’m enjoying the show,” he says of the tale of jilted love and ambition.

“It’s a bit cheeky and a bit naughty and it’s really good fun.

“It draws parallels with Dirty dancing and the audience are on their feet at the end.”

Ray, who has appeared in a range of West End shows such as Legally Blonde and Dirty Dancing adds, grinning; “Playing Glen is very different for me. It’s odd to put on a suit to go to work.”

The offer to join the show came about unexpectedly.

“About two years ago I did a panto and my Wishy Washee came to me at the end of the show said he was set to produce a show.

“He had written a play, but I didn’t want to do that, then he came up with the Wedding Singer.

“But it was to go on in a little theatre in the a*** end of nowhere. Then I heard nothing for ages.

“But the next thing I knew it had moved from a six week stint to a massive tour of major theatres in Britain, and I was playing Glenn.

“Now, the result is one of the best shows I’ve been in.”

The singer adds; “It’s not a mirror image of the film, it’s a quality version on stage, taking you back to the eighties, all shoulder pads and perms, handlebar moustaches and vibrating beds.

“And we also have Hi-De-Hi!’s Ruth Madoc twerking on stage.”

Goodness. Who would that thought it.

“It’s a really good night out. The audience have a great time.

The Wedding Singer, he offers, has a romantic centre, it’s about love and relationships.

“It’s about honesty, and what comes out at the end. And it reveals life’s a roller coaster. You’ve just got to hope for the best.”

Did entering this on-stage world of the exploration of true love highlight the change in his own circumstances?

Just a couple of years ago Ray was newly married with a baby son, Harry, but the couple broke up.

“Yes, it did. We’ve now been apart for two and a half years, but no matter what has gone on you realise the most important relationship now is with me and my little boy.

“He’s my entire world.”

Ray adds; “I’m still friends with his mum. We’re both adults, we’re both civilised.”

Does showbiz, the constant travelling away from home etc, make for problematic relationships?

“Yes, but you can balance that out by going home as much as you can. But having said that I’m busy all the time. I’m doing gigs outside of this.

“And this business is so fickle you can be out of work at any time. You have to factor that in.”

Work commitments may be out of his control, but Ray Quinn has taken charge of his body in a big way. He looks fighting fit.

“I’ve discovered your brain is faster and more operational when you’re physically fit. I feel great. And yes, I do feel more in control of my life.”

The performer took a course in nutrition and body sculpting. But he doesn’t go down the personal trainer route to developing a six-pack.

“I wouldn’t pay the money for it,” he says, grinning.

“I did it all on my own. I just went to the gym, looked around at what other guys were doing and came up with a plan that worked for me.”

But does he have enough tattoos? Recent pics reveal there seems to be little part of his body that hasn’t been coloured in.

“I’ve always wanted them,” he maintains.

“Even when I was a kid in school I got put in detention for having temporary tattoos all over my arm.

“And my grandfather had them. So I wanted them.”

He adds, “Don’t get me wrong my family are fantastic – but I had to rebel against my mother.

“When I was a kid she said ‘Don’t get your hair cut, don’t get a motorbike and don’t get a tattoo.’ As soon as I was old enough I went out and did all three.”

Is Ray Quinn rather obstinate?

“Once I get an idea, I have to keep going. I won’t give up,” he says, grinning.

“And you can never have too many tattoos.”

* The Wedding Singer, the King’s Theatre, April 18 – 22.