Exclusive: Whittle proposes 'Hollyoaks: The Musical'

Ricky Whittle has claimed that he has proposed the idea of Hollyoaks: The Musical to the soap's producers.

Whittle, who plays Calvin Valentine in the Channel 4 show, said that his stint on Strictly Come Dancing inspired the concept.

"I have been asking about Hollyoaks: The Musical, but they're a very busy cast," he told DS. "They're a very talented cast, they're annoyingly talented, but I finally feel like I'm up to everyone else's level now.

"They can all sing, dance and act anyway. I was just a footballer who fell into acting. Now I feel like I'm up there on a level playing field with the superb Hollyoaks cast."

If the idea came to fruition, Hollyoaks: The Musical could tie in with the Chester soap's 15th anniversary next October.

Meanwhile, ITV is reportedly in talks with composer Trisha Ward to produce a Coronation Street musical for the serial's landmark 50th birthday next December.