Ricky Whittle: 'I'd like US citizenship'

Ex Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle says visa issues have prevented him finding work in the US, but haven't stopped him wanting to apply for US citizenship.

Ricky, who came second in Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, admitted it hasn't been easy finding work. After leaving his role as Calvin Valentine on the Channel 4 soap last May, he moved to Los Angeles to film a role in Austenland, alongside American Pie star Jennifer Coolidge.

He's also been signed for other roles, but other factors have prevented him filming them.

"It's very frustrating because I was in Las Vegas with friends when I got offered CSI. So when I got a copy of my visa to them it was too late."

Ricky's offered to take Hollyoaks star Jamie Lomas under his wing if he decides to try his luck Hollywood.

"I'm going to introduce Jamie to some people while he's here and I'll help him find a car," he told the Liverpool Echo.

The 30-year-old hinted that only a well-paid job or a reunion with ex-girlfriend Carley Stenson would make him reconsider moving back to the UK: "I'm having an amazing experience. There are two things that would bring me back - if I was paid an obscene amount of money or if I won back and married a certain lady.

"I've got my green card coming through now and I'd like to apply for American citizenship," he added.