Ricky Whittle has admitted that working on Strictly Come Dancing and Hollyoaks at the same time, is much tougher than he expected.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Whittle explained: “I’m working 12 hour days filming Hollyoaks, then straight off to the studios in Liverpool with Natalie [Lowe] to rehearse until 11pm. I’m losing weight really fast because of all the exercise.”

He continued: “With Strictly I am mentally and physically knackered, everything aches. I knew it would be hard but I never thought it would be this tough.

“I’ve been pushing so hard to impress the judges. I’m having physio on my hamstrings and my body is in pieces. Nat has given me lots of exercises to strengthen my legs, joints and posture. I pick up routines quick but it is the technical stuff that’s challenging me.”