Ricky loses out in final

OLDHAM-BORN Ricky Whittle failed to win the public’s vote to win “Strictly Come Dancing” — as underdog Chris Hollins waltzed off with the title.

Whittle and partner Natalie Lowe, who had been the bookies’ favourite to win, gained the most points from the professional judges on Saturday.

But it was 38-year-old BBC sports reporter Hollins partnered by Ola Jordan who stole the public’s hearts.

Hollins had an uninspiring start to the series but judge Bruno Tonioli congratulated Jordan for turning a “frog into a prince” after the couple danced the fox–trot.

Head judge Len Goodman praised Hollins’ Charleston — which earned a perfect score from the panel — as “classic entertainment” and said the final was “the entertainer v the dancer”.

He finished his last dance, which featured a handstand and a one–handed lift, by jumping on to the judges’ table.

Whittle topped the judges’ scoreboard but was less popular with viewers whose votes determined the winner.

The 29-year-old actor who plays Calvin Valentine in Channel 4’s teen soap “Hollyoaks” was born in Oldham but travelled around a lot due to his father’s RAF duties.

He vowed to keep dancing and said: “I’ve had an absolutely amazing time.”

Whittle’s fancy footwork had helped him to remain bookies’ favourite ahead of the final clash.