Ricky Whittle 'wines and dines' Strictly dancing partner

As many Hollyoaks fans will know, actor Ricky Whittle, who plays village heart-throb Calvin Valentine, has been dating his co-star Carley Stenson (Stephanie Dean) for around two years.

However, it seems as though the soap star, who is appearing on this year's Strictly Come Dancing, has fallen for the charms of his ballroom partner Natalie Lowe.

Last week, a spokesperson for the Hollyoaks couple confirmed: "Carley Stenson and Ricky Whittle have announced their decision to separate. The pair remain good friends but do not wish to comment any further."

However, it seems as though the hunk may be getting over the break-up fairly quickly, as the Daily Mail reports that he enjoyed a dinner date with Natalie and her parents after this Saturday's episode of the dancing show in Blackpool.

Ricky is not the only Hollyoaks star to be showing off his foxtrot skills on the BBC show, as Ali Bastian, who previously played Becca Dean in the Chester-based programme has also been impressing the judges with her dancing feet.

xxx Suzie Foreman