Police bail Strictly's Whittle

Ricky Whittle is one of the favourites to win Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing contestant Ricky Whittle has been released on bail after an alleged assault on a photographer in Liverpool city centre.

The 29-year-old actor was being held in police custody after an incident in Duke Street in the early hours.

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

Mr Whittle, who is a regular in Channel Four soap Hollyoaks, was released from custody on Friday afternoon.

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," said the Merseyside force.

Top scores

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 Channel Four drama.

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

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

In Strictly Come Dancing, Mr Whittle is partnered with Australian dancer Natalie Lowe and has scored high marks throughout the 10 weeks of the competition.