X-FACTOR runner-up Ray Quinn last night thanked the people of Merseyside for their “incredible support”, and said he would still fulfil his dream of getting a record deal.

Speaking from London last night, the 18-year-old singer said he was excited about his future, despite missing out on the ITV show’s prize to former London secretary Leona Lewis.

Ray, from Childwall, is currently being looked after by a management company and said he had a hectic schedule of meetings planned with record bosses and producers this week.

Although no contracts have yet been signed, the former Brookside star said he was determined something would come of his X-Factor success.

He said: “Saturday night was amazing.

“When me and Leona were standing there waiting for the winner to be announced, I just knew that Kate was going to say her name.

“If I had to lose to somebody I wanted it to be Leona and I am so proud of her as we have been on a long and incredible journey together.

“I was just honoured to share the final with her.”

The former Brookside actor won a place in the final after singing an emotional rendition of Liverpool anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone, winning the affection of people across the region.

Over eight million fans voted during Saturday’s show where Ray sang Frank Sinatra’s classic That’s Life with Westlife.

But it was Leona who secured 60% of the vote and a £1m recording deal.