Whittle driving rap

OLDHAM-BORN “Strictly Come Dancing” star Ricky Whittle (pictured) faces a New Year court appearance after being charged with dangerous driving.

The 29-year-old “Hollyoaks” actor, who finished runner–up in the BBC dancing show last week, was arrested on suspicion of assault in November after he allegedly struck a photographer with his car.

The alleged incident happened after Whittle had returned to Liverpool, where “Hollyoaks” is filmed, and attended a party at the city’s Parr Street Studios with colleagues from the Channel 4 drama.

He will appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on January 15.