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Strictly's Whittle held by police Police bail Strictly's Whittle
(about 2 hours later)
Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ricky Whittle has been arrested on suspicion of assault in Liverpool city centre. Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ricky Whittle has been released on bail after an alleged assault on a photographer in Liverpool city centre.
The 29-year-old actor is in police custody after an incident in Duke Street in the early hours. The 29-year-old actor was being held in police custody after an incident in Duke Street in the early hours.
A Merseyside Police spokeswoman said the incident involved a collision between a car and a male pedestrian, who suffered minor injuries. Police said it involved a collision between a car and a male pedestrian, who is a photographer.
Whittle, who has a regular part in Channel Four soap Hollyoaks, is tipped to win the BBC One dance competition. Mr Whittle, who is a regular in Channel Four soap Hollyoaks, was released from custody on Friday afternoon.
Merseyside Police confirmed a 29-year-old man from Billinge was being questioned over the incident. Merseyside Police confirmed a 29-year-old man from Billinge was being questioned over the incident in which the victim suffered minor injuries.
"A 29-year-old man has now been released on bail pending further police inquires," said the Merseyside force.
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Oldham-born Whittle plays Calvin Valentine in Hollyoaks, which is filmed in Liverpool. Oldham-born Mr Whittle plays Calvin Valentine in Hollyoaks, which is filmed in Liverpool.
It is believed Whittle had been to a party at Parr Street Studios, where Hollyoaks is filmed, with colleagues from the Channel Four drama. It is believed Mr Whittle had been to a party at Parr Street Studios, where Hollyoaks is filmed, with colleagues from the Channel Four drama.
A spokesman for Parr Street Studios confirmed one of the venue's bars, Studio Two, was hired for Thursday night's event by the Hollyoaks crew.A spokesman for Parr Street Studios confirmed one of the venue's bars, Studio Two, was hired for Thursday night's event by the Hollyoaks crew.
He said the alleged incident took place after the bar was closed for the night and some distance away.He said the alleged incident took place after the bar was closed for the night and some distance away.
A police spokeswoman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm that a 29-year-old man from the Billinge area of Greater Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of assault. In Strictly Come Dancing, Mr Whittle is partnered with Australian dancer Natalie Lowe and has scored high marks throughout the 10 weeks of the competition.
"He remains in police custody where he will be questioned. This follows an incident in Duke Street, Liverpool city centre, in the early hours of this morning."
In Strictly Come Dancing, Whittle is partnered with Australian dancer Natalie Lowe and has scored highly throughout the 10 weeks of the competition.
It is unclear whether his arrest will affect his appearance on Saturday's live show.It is unclear whether his arrest will affect his appearance on Saturday's live show.