Arrested Hollyoaks star performs on Strictly

Ricky Whittle is still favourite to win Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ricky Whittle has taken to the dancefloor on the BBC One show a day after being arrested after a party in Liverpool.

The 29-year-old Hollyoaks star was allegedly involved in an assault on a photographer in Liverpool city centre.

He was held in custody in Duke Street in the early hours of Friday morning and released on bail that afternoon.

The incident involved a collision between a car and a male pedestrian, who is a photographer.

Merseyside Police confirmed a 29-year-old man from Billinge was being questioned over the incident in which the victim suffered minor injuries.

"A 29-year-old man has now been released on bail pending further police inquires," a spokesperson said.

Hollyoaks party

Oldham-born Mr Whittle plays Calvin Valentine in Hollyoaks, which is filmed in Liverpool.

It is believed Mr Whittle had been to a party at Parr Street Studios, where Hollyoaks is filmed, with colleagues from the long-running teen soap.

A spokesman for Parr Street Studios confirmed one of the venue's bars, Studio Two, had been hired by the Hollyoaks crew for Thursday night's event.

He said the alleged incident took place after the bar was closed for the night and occurred some distance away.

In Strictly Come Dancing, Mr Whittle is partnered with Australian dancer Natalie Lowe and has scored high marks throughout the competition.

Before Saturday's show, bookmakers ranked him as odds-on favourite to win the contest.