Former Strictly Come Dancing star Claire King, has backed Hollyoaks Ricky Whittle to win this year’s series.

The former Emmerdale actress told BANG Showbiz: “You know – I still hold the record as the only woman who has never cried on the show.

“But I think this year the guy from Hollyoaks, Ricky, will win. They’re all going for Joe Calzaghe, but if I could pick anyone, I’d hope Richard Dunwoody wins, because I have a racing background.”

King also admitted that she is jealous of Jo Wood who will be dancing with Brendan Cole this year.

“I am smarting about Jo landing Brendan, but I will be enjoying every single moment of it,” she explained.

“I think there’ll be plenty of tears from Jo, but Brendan is good, he tries to get the best out of somebody and he may be a bit of a slave driver, but it does get the best results.”