Father welcomes county backing for soap star

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. 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. Read his full comments, and the latest on tonight's show, in the Shropshire Star