Who is Ricky Whittle? American Gods actor who plays Shadow Moon and former Hollyoaks star
RICKY Whittle is an English actor who shot to fame in the early 2000s with roles in Hollyoaks and Dream Team.
He’s been off our screens for a while, but is back with Starz series American Gods – here’s the lowdown on the hunky actor…
Where do we know Ricky Whittle from?
British actor Ricky Whittle made his first breakthrough as a model for Rebook in the early 00’s, he is best known for his role as Calvin Valentine in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks.
Ricky’s acting career was launched after he was cast as Ryan Naysmith for Sky One’s Dream Team, a drama following fictional football team Harchester United.
After starring in the Sky One show for five years, Ricky was cast for Hollyoaks as heartthrob Calvin Valentine. Since he left the Channel 4 soap in 2011, Ricky has had parts in Single Ladies, NCIS, The 100 and Mistresses.
Who is Ricky Whittle’s girlfriend?
While on Hollyoaks, Ricky notably dated co-star Carley Stenson, who played Steph Cunningham in the soap, but the pair broke up following his stint on Strictly in 2009.
He has been spotted stepping out with his new squeeze, yoga instructor Kristina Colonna.
The pair were pictured dining together at posh Hollywood hangout Craigs after a Q&A session to promote his new TV drama American Gods in Los Angeles.
Ricky cut a dapper figure in a dark suit and black shirt, while Kristina looked stunning in a low-cut black dress.
When and where can I watch Ricky Whittle in American Gods?
Ricky has been cast for the lead role of Shadow in US TV series American Gods, which premiered on May 1.
American Gods began on May 1 with a new episode being released every Monday for the duration of its run.
The sixth episode is out TODAY (June 12) and can be watched on any device that allows you to stream Amazon Prime Video.
In the show, Ricky plays Shadow Moon – an ex con who’s just been released from prison.
He comes into contact with Mr Wednesday (McShane) who eventually reveals he is in fact the Norse God Odin – and he needs Shadow’s help in recruiting a number of other old Gods that have assimilated themselves into normal American life to fight a wave of powerful new Gods.
Alongside Ricky and Ian, Australian actress Emily Browning plays Shadow’s not-so-dead wife Laura and Hollywood legend Crispin Glover playing Mr World (an interpretation of the Norse God Loki).
What happened during his time on Strictly Come Dancing?
In 2009 Ricky took part in BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, where he was partnered with Australian professional Natalie Lowe.
The pair came second in the dancing competition but their relationship off the dance-floor also hit the headlines.
At the time, Ricky was dating fellow Hollyoaks star Carley Stenson – who is now engaged to 2016 Strictly runner up Danny Mac.
However Whittle split with Carley and his relationship with dance partner Natalie Lowe came under scrutiny as the pair were reportedly struck by the ‘Strictly Curse’.
Lowe and Whittle lost out to first place on the show, and came runners up after Chris Hollins and Ola Jordan took home the Glitterball Trophy.
