Hollyoaks hottie, Ricky Whittle has said that he is not enjoying the pressure of being an early favourite on this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

Len Goodman chose Ricky as the one to watch after last week’s group dance and bookies currently have him at 9/4 to win.

Ricky told The Sun: “It’s outrageous. We’re under enough pressure as it is without them starting silly rubbish like that.

“I’d prefer to be the underdog than the favourite. Natalie wanted us to stand out and show we’ve already got chemistry in Week One.

“I thought if we blend in we can really wow them in our individual dance, but she’s the boss so I had to do what she wanted.

“Now it’s added pressure and everybody’s going to be expecting all sorts of magic when I hit the floor. Joe Calzaghe was favourite last week and now he’s 20/1.

“I’m worried the same thing will happen to me and I really don’t want to let Natalie down.”