Ricky Whittle: 'Stenson will be brilliant'

Ricky Whittle has praised his ex-girlfriend and former Hollyoaks co-star Carley Stenson, predicting that she will have a "brilliant" career in the West End.

Stenson, who plays long-standing character Steph Cunningham on the teen soap, announced her decision to bow out in favour of stage roles earlier this year. She has since been cast in the London production of Legally Blonde: The Musical.

Speaking to New magazine about Stenson's Hollyoaks departure, Whittle commented: "She's following her dream. She is one of these people who's good at everything. She's beautiful, friendly - they call her the golden girl of soap. When I was with her, I became the golden boy, that's the effect she has.

"She is doing Legally Blonde: The Musical. She'll be brilliant. She's a brilliant actress, singer and dancer. That girl has rhythm."

Asked if he is pleased for the 27-year-old, Whittle replied: "I'm pleased for all my friends that go on and do what they want to do."

Stenson will make her debut appearance in Legally Blonde on October 25 at the Savoy Theatre.