Ricky Whittle may have found fame in Chester but he has since traded Hollyoaks village for the endless Californian sunshine.
The actor, who turns 40 on December 31, left hunky fan favourite Calvin Valentine behind in 2010 after four years on the Channel 4 soap to pursue his career in America.
He has since enjoyed huge success across the pond, taking on big roles in shows including Amazon Prime fantasy offering American Gods and Netflix’s popular Nappily Ever After.
The star has emerged himself into the Hollywood scene after finding an army of fans stateside thanks to his acting prowess.
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
Having a flawless body hasn’t held Ricky back in his pursuit of fame – and he has his love of working hard in the gym to thank for it.
The handsome Brit – who was born in Oldham, Manchester – often gives fans an insight into the hard work he puts into maintaining his physique with behind the scenes snaps from his home gym.
(Image: Instagram)
During lockdown Ricky revealed to his followers that he was using g the time to work on himself mentally as well as physically as he posed in a tiny pair of sports shirts with no top on.
He wrote: “Fit Friday I didn’t want to waste the gift of time that this terrible pandemic has given me. I want to come out the other end a better person in as many ways as possible.
“Physically, mentally, spiritually. I’ve started Spanish lessons, piano lessons, painting, I’ve caught up with family and friends and tried to maintain my #health and #fitness #Motivation, discipline and the right mindset has been the most important part.”
The former Strictly Come Dancing star who plays Shadow Moon in American Gods also filled hnis time spent alone during the pandemic with making short movies, learning Spanish, playing the piano, and painting.
His regular updates from his swanky Californian home showed off many aspects of the stars personal tastes – including a Star Wars Yoda toy figurine he likes to cuddle up with.
Ricky’s elaborate bedroom furnishings reflect his love of masculine style with the dark grey decor accented by cushions, throws and matching curtains, and black doors.
(Image: PA)
His LA pad also features a very instagrammable winding staircase and tiled flooring in the foyer marked in an eye-catching pattern.
The swanky living room boasts curved walls embedded with a series of large windows which provide a panoramic view of the local area.
It’s not just in his home where Ricky enjoys luxury – he has a classic car too, being the proud owner of a vintage Ford Mustang.
(Image: @rickywhittle/Instagram)
He splashed the cash to get the stunning silver vehicle restored to its former glory and posed proudly with it at his property back in 2018.
In his personal life, the actor is thought to be single. His last high profile romance was with fellow Hollyoaks star Carly Stenson who he was in a relationship with between 2007 – 2009.
Ricky has made efforts to get to know his new home in the USA, taking in local attractions including a tour of Universal Studios.
(Image: @rickywhittle/Instagram)
His fans also often get an insight into life behind the scenes of his work projects as he shares images and clips from the make-up trailer while on set.
Despite leaving Chester behind Ricky has remained friends with several of his former co-stars including on-screen sister Sasha Valentine actress Nathalie Emmanuel.
Nathalie quit Hollyoaks shortly after Ricky and has managed to carve out her very own successful Hollywood career starring in Game of Thrones, Fast and Furious and Netflix series Four Weddings and a Funeral.
Ricky seized his opportunity to gush to his fans about their friendship when they got the opportunity to hang out together in LA.
He shared a picture of the pair and wrote: “When ya lil sis @nathalieemmanuel gets into town for our yearly hang, you take that talented princess for pizza… sooooo proud of this little lady.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
