Ricky: 'I'm leaving Hollyoaks for Hollywood'

Ricky Whittle has opened up about his plans to quit Hollyoaks next year to try to make it as a Hollywood movie star.

The actor goes head-to-head with sports presenter Chris Hollins in the final Strictly Come Dancing dance-off tomorrow night.

Asked how much longer he would remain in Hollyoaks for, Ricky said: "I will be leaving next year, towards the end of the year I would say.

"I've got lots of things I'd love to do, it's whether or not they're on offer.

"I could stay on Hollyoaks forever because it's a great family up there, but you do have ambitions in life.

"I'd rather try my ambitions and fail than to never try at all. I think you only regret things you don't do.

"And for me, I'd love to go to the States. I've got a few things lined up, I'm not saying it's going to happen, I'm not saying I'm going to be able to pull it off, because everyone says: 'I'm going to the States, I'm going to make it big in the movies'.

"I'm not saying that, I'm saying I'd like to try - and if I fail, at least I've tried. I think you need to chase your dreams and if it comes off, fantastic."

The Hollyoaks hunk also promised viewers of Saturday's Strictly final would be treated to a 'flesh off' between their professional dance partners Natalie Lowe and Ola Jordan.

Ricky said of his dance partner: "I think Natalie might not be wearing much so that should sort out our votes. It's going to be Ola versus Natalie in a flesh off!"

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