Ricky Whittle has denied rumours that he is sworn enemies with fellow Strictly contestant Zoe Lucker.

During his stint on Sky1’s Dream Team (filmed in the same place as Footballers’ Wives), Ricky named Zoe as the celebrity he “hated the most”.

However, he told Now that it is “upsetting” to read tabloids reporting about their apparent feud.

“Everyone is getting on really well and it’s a shame people just want to create fireworks backstage,” he said.

“I’m hoping Zoe will be a great friend over the next few months.”