GLOBE's theatre critic Peter Grant has an exclusive chat with television and stage star Ray Quinn 

THE fact you are a veteran before you are 30 years old says it all about Ray Quinn's musical credentials.

The Liverpool-born star is a celebrity we will be seeing a lot more of in the next couple of months and he couldn’t be happier.

The Brookside, X Factor and Dancing on Ice favourite is taking part in a diverse range of stage productions and tours that will further enhance his reputation as an all-rounder.

But it's on stage where he feels at home.

He told the Globe: "I am really pleased about the way things are going. There was a time when I was asking myself 'who am I?'

"I am a Virgo for one thing - so I like a challenge."

I tell him first interviewed him when he was 12 years old back in 2000 when he received critical acclaim for playing a bullied schoolboy.

He still has the same great sense of humour.

"I look back with great memories of Brookside and I’d love to do a soap again – Coronation Street especially."

I tell him that his former Brookie colleague Louis Emerick is joining Weatherfield.

Ray says he couldn't be more pleased for his pal.

He still keeps in touch with many of the Brookside cast and sees them at theatre red carpet nights when he has the time, that is.

Ray moved back to his beloved home town of Liverpool four years ago.

It is a solid base for him to return to and wife Emma after travelling so many miles on the road.

Now at 29 he is ready to put on the greasepaint again.

First is an Easter panto. He is the star of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Epstein Theatre.

Ray is looking ahead to working with people he has never been on stage with before such as Lindzi Germain and Wirral based Dame Michael Chapman.

He said: "I love a 'feel good' show and you can't beat a traditional panto for getting people in a great mood.

"It's at Easter and there could even be snow ..."

As his fans will know he likes to keep fit in the gym and a You Tube keep fit video which showed Ray's torso recently went viral.

Ray will certainly need all his energy this year.

He is also going on the road in the tour of Dancing On Ice at the end of March.

He has just returned from an ice rink when I speak to him.

"After we finish the Dancing on Ice UK tour we go straight into the rehearsals for Summer Holiday," he says, clearly excited at the run which comes to the Empire in Summer and Chester Storyhouse in Autumn.

He is big fan of Cliff Richard just like his inspirational Nan, who is never far from Ray's thoughts.

The Liverpool star will relish singing all those classic '60s Cliff and The Shadows hits and he also gets to drive a big red London double-decker bus.

He has played everyone from leads in Grease, to Dirty Dancing and The Wedding Singer but what role would he love to do?

"Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever," he says with greased lightning enthusiasm.

For now actor, singer, dancer and actor Ray is on a busy roll and he wouldn’t have it any other way.

As his best-selling, number one album title confirms Ray is in control of his career happily ... Doing it My Way.

Ray's forthcoming show dates for your diary ....

Jack and The Beanstalk at the Epstein Theatre from March 30 – April 8. Tickets from 0844 888 4411.

Summer Holiday at the Liverpool Empire from May 8-12 (tickets from 0844 871 3017) and Chester Storyhouse, from September 11-15 (0124440913)