RYAN Kay had just landed his dream job.

After studying at the London School of Fashion and cutting his teeth as an intern for a company which organised shows for London and Paris Fashion Week, he was setting out on his own.

The Burtonwood resident had an office in Ancoats as a freelance stylist and image consultant for the stars.

But when the third lockdown and some of the toughest restrictions came into effect, the fashion world came to a "dramatic halt".

The 29-year-old said: “It was going brilliantly even during the second lockdown where I was able to work with Charlotte Dawson, Rachel Lugo, Dawn Ward, Lucy Fallon and many of the Hollyoaks girls.

“My business was booming. I was so happy with where it was going. I was working with different publications like OK Magazine and channels like MTV and ITV Be.

“I was taken seriously so quickly in this fashion realm but then when the third lockdown came into effect the industry came to a dramatic halt.”

Now Ryan is out to prove that new opportunities can arise even in the most challenging circumstances with the successful launch of his Instagram "TV show".

Building on his contacts in the industry, his aim is to show that people from all walks of life have been affected by the pandemic – and that includes the fashion icons, reality stars, soap actors and singers he works with.

Ryan’s platform has already reached thousands of people with his interview with Charlotte Dawson viewed by almost 30,000.

He also has the likes of Rebecca Ferguson, Pixie Lott and Nikki Sanderson booked in for a video catch up.

The former Warrington Collegiate student added: “It quickly took off. My main one was Mary Fitzgerald from Selling Sunset so Warrington goes to LA.

“That’s been amazing. I just took it upon myself because we all have the same anxieties around what’s going on.

“So it is about lockdown life but with a quirky fashion twist because I am a stylist and I’m talking to these industry people about their experiences at this strange time.

“I want to show people that everyone is in this together and we can get through it together.”

Ryan wants his interview series to show the more human side of being a celebrity.

He said: “Charlotte Dawson talked about how the pandemic changed her pregnancy and Lucy Fallon chatted about waiting for auditions which were just not happening.

“This has been about creating a focus – we all need something each day that gets us through this.

“When it comes down to it we’re all the same, that’s the message I want to get across.

“They might be a singer or an actor but like all of us they’re having to find ways to get through this.

“I keep thinking how do we move on as a country? How long until we do big events again? Do I need to change my career goals?

Ryan at his Ancoats office

Ryan at his Ancoats office

“But at the same time it’s been a great experience for me having this affiliation with these amazing people.

“On Instagram it might look like I’ve got the dream job. I love my job and I’d never change my job but I’m still in the same position as everyone else worrying about how I’m going to get by month by month.

“I locked up my office for new year and I’ve not been able to get back since.

“The current situation has completely put my job on pause.

“At the moment I’m not making any money. It’s a scary time so I’m glad I’ve had this to focus on.”

Ryan, who interviews the stars from his Burtonwood home, particularly misses red carpet events which is where he thrives.

He added: “I mostly miss working with other creatives, meeting new people and learning new things.

“They say ‘you’re only as good as the last person you worked with’ and I’m very lucky that I’ve worked with some incredible people so far.

“I’m not going to lie. I also love the glitz and the glamour of the job and I do miss working with celebrities on their red carpet looks too.

“I love the vibe and the buzz around events like that. It’s my passion.”

One of the most obvious obstacles for Ryan’s line of work is that people are not going out and so the desire for new clothes and styles has waned. But Ryan argues that how you look and how you feel are closely related and getting dressed up for the likes of video calls with friends or even to pop to the shop can help brighten your day.

“Put something on that elevates your personality and puts a bit of brightness into your life,” he said.

Ryan also hopes the videos will inspire others to look for silver linings amid the crisis.

He added: “Don’t sit around and wait for an opportunity – use this time to think of something you can do that could potentially become a different business.

“It’s a very challenging time but it’s amazing what can happen when you get creative.”

Ryan’s videos can be viewed at instagram.com/ryankaystyles/channel