The Shropshire-based father of Strictly Come Dancing star Ricky Whittle today said he was delighted people in the county were backing his son who is bidding to win tonight’s final of the hit BBC show.

Last week Hollyoaks heartthrob Ricky received a standing ovation from all four corners of the crowd for his Argentine tango with professional dancer Natalie Lowe.

Now he and BBC news man Chris Hollins will lock horns in a dance-off in front of millions of viewers in a battle to see who will be crowned the champion and walk away with the coveted glitterball trophy.

Speaking from his home in Harmer Hill, near Wem, Ricky’s dad Harry spoke of his delight at the “positive” response from Shropshire people who have been backing the star.

Harry Whittle used to work as a salesman in Reading but moved to Shropshire three months ago to take up a position as a civilian aircrew instructor at the Central Helicopter Flying School, based at RAF Shawbury.

Today he backed his son to clinch the title and said: “The reaction from people in Shropshire has been very positive and I’m so pleased with all the comments and good wishes I have picked up being out and about in Shropshire.

“The majority of people in Shropshire seem to be behind Richard.

“People have been asking me where Richard gets his dancing skills from but I tell them it’s all his own work.

“At RAF Shawbury where I work, people seem to be behind Richard and have been coming to me to say they intend to give him their vote.”

Mr Whittle, 51, added he will be travelling to London to watch the final live in the studio.

And he said X Factor viewers who may have missed most of Strictly Come Dancing because of a schedule clash could hold the key to helping Ricky, who plays Calvin Valentine in Hollyoaks, snatch victory.

“I believe a lot of X Factor viewers will be wanting to watch something else so I guess many will tune in just to see what else is on,” he added.

“I think some of the X Factor audience will be Hollyoaks viewers so I hope they give Richard their support.”

Asked if Ricky was out of his comfort zone on the dancing show, Mr Whittle said: “I think the show has helped him develop his new comfort zone. He is getting more and more comfortable with his dancing.

“But I think Chris (Hollins) will be hard to beat and I think he’ll produce his best dance yet so Richard really has to up his game to get an edge but I hope he can do it.

“I want to say thanks to Shropshire for getting behind Richard and we’ve had very positive support from the county.”

Meanwhile, Ricky has announced he is eyeing up a move across the pond to pursue a Hollywood acting career and plans to quit Hollyoaks next year.

Asked how much longer he would remain in Hollyoaks, he 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.”

Speaking about the Strictly Come Dancing experience he added: “Me and Chris are bringing different flavours to the table. He’s a great entertainer and I think it’s quite insulting for Chris that people are saying that he can’t dance. He wouldn’t be here if he couldn’t dance.

“If I don’t bring my ‘A’ game he’s walking away with this.”

Bookies William Hill have put Whittle as the favourite to win the ballroom showdown at 4/6, with Hollins at 11/10.

The final will be spread across two programmes from 6.35pm on BBC One.

By Tom Johannsen