Former Strictly star Ricky Whittle has told how he was ‘stitched up’ by BBC bosses during his time on the troubled show.
The actor has lambasted the Corporation, accusing them of ‘manipulating’ a romance with his professional partner Natalie Lowe in a bid to get more viewers back in 2008.
Ricky, who appeared as Calvin Valentine on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks between 2006 and 2011, told the Daily Mail how producers manufactured a clip of him and Natalie holding hands with romantic music in the background.
Ricky, who now lives in Los Angeles, told the Daily Mail: ‘The BBC totally stitched me up, they manipulated a romance, they fixed it so that we were the romantic couple.
‘They manipulated interviews in the VTs shown during the show. I remember them asking me questions about Natalie like, “Was seeing her the best part of your day?” or me saying she was amazing, and they cut together with soft, beautiful music in the background.
‘They knew what they were doing. Other couples were the ones who argued, but Natalie and I were the romantic couple.’
Former Strictly star Ricky Whittle has told how he was ‘stitched up’ by BBC bosses during his time on the troubled show
The actor has lambasted the Corporation, accusing them of ‘manipulating’ a romance with his professional partner Natalie Lowe (pictured) in a bid to get more viewers back in 2008
Despite his bewilderment at being manipulated, Ricky, 45, said that he adored the late Len Goodman, who gave him advice and support backstage. He also said that Craig Revel Horwood’s nasty on-screen persona was an act.
‘He’s lovely behind the scenes,’ said Ricky. ‘He did so much to help me.’
Ricky moved out to Los Angeles in 2012, where he had managed to do what many Brits haven’t and carve a successful career for himself.
He has starred in a number of top movies and television series, including Netflix hit Nappily Ever After. Last year, he appeared in US thriller movie Land of the Bad.
But Ricky is making a return to the UK next month to play football – something he says he doesn’t do so much now he’s living in the US.
He will be playing in the charity match Game4theChildren, which will shine a light on the national child homelessness crisis.
He will join the likes of Russell Howard, Phil Dunster, Tamer Hassan, Paul Bullion, and fellow Strictly star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey.
Former footballers Clarence Seedorf and Claude Makélélé will captain the two sides, with the duo joined by fellow football icons, including Ronald de Boer, Jaap Stam, Louis Saha and Mark van Bommel!
Ricky, who now lives in Los Angeles, told the Daily Mail: ‘The BBC totally stitched me up, they manipulated a romance, they fixed it so that we were the romantic couple’
Also playing are former QPR alumni, including Charlie Austin and Marc Bircham,
The game will take place at MATRADE Loftus Road Stadium, the home of QPR FC, on Monday December 15, 2025, at 7.15pm kick-off.
Tickets for the match are on sale now – from as little as £5 for children and £10 for adults in a Black Friday sale here.
Proceeds from Game4theChildren will go directly to Shelter – helping children and families experiencing homelessness – and QPR in the Community Trust, supporting local outreach programmes across West London. Game4theChildren is more than a match – it’s a message of hope this Christmas. Join the stars, join the fans, and join the cause.
For further information, ticketing, player announcements, partners, charity and media enquiries, visit: https://game4thechildren.com
