Whittle, Bruce win 'Rear Of The Year'

Former Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle and newsreader Fiona Bruce have triumphed in this year's 'Rear Of The Year' contest.

The pair's success in the annual competition, which has celebrated celebrity backsides since 1976, was announced today at the Dorchester Hotel in London.

Speaking of his victory, Whittle commented: "I'm honoured and very flattered to have been named 'Rear Of The Year' - although my mum has been telling me it's my best side since I was a kid."

Meanwhile, Bruce said: "This award has caused some hilarity among family, friends and colleagues, as you might imagine. What I tell them, when they've picked themselves up off the floor, is that if someone had told me I'd been nominated for this 20 years ago, I'd have poked them in the eye. Now I'm just flattered anyone's still looking."

'Rear Of The Year' organiser Tony Edwards remarked that Whittle, 28, and Bruce, 46, had "clearly enjoyed amazing public support".

He added: "This continues to be the era of the well-toned rear when people are taking care of their bodies with keep-fit regimes and visits to the gym. Fiona and Ricky typify the look."

Last year's winners were opera singer Russell Watson and popstar Rachel Stevens.