The 26-year-old, who in recent years has also enjoyed a successful stage career, said that he is looking forward to visiting the Island for the August carnival, where he will share a float with Miss Battle 2014, Holly Perchard.

Earlier this year, Ray – who follows in the footsteps of last year’s Mr Battle, Coronation Street star Mikey North – won the final series of the ITV ice skating show Dancing On Ice, Champion of Champions, which featured former celebrity contestants from all the previous series.

Full story and reactions in Thursday’s Jersey Evening Post