Whittle cancels training due to illness

Ricky Whittle has been forced to call off his Strictly Come Dancing training after falling ill.

The Hollyoaks actor revealed on his official Twitter page that he is suffering from "man flu" and has vomited on the Channel 4 soap's set.

"Now I know why I can't eat, I'm a poorly bunny. Been sick all day, man flu in full effect! Everything keeps coming up - gutted - I love my food," he wrote.

"Oooh dizzy spells will be fun during foxtrot tonight. Hopefully dancing can burn off the fever, filming outside isn't helping. Ooh it hurts."

He added later: "That's done it, vomiting on set is not fun. Can't train tonight. Not too bad as [it] was a good session yesterday... Did well to finish the day, need to get home and burn this sucker out then can train tomorrow morn (sic) before work!"

On last week's show, Whittle and dance partner Natalie Lowe ended up in the dance-off. Judges Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel Horwood described their rock 'n' roll routine as under-rehearsed, but the panel chose to save him over actress Natalie Cassidy.

Earlier today, lawyers announced that Whittle may be sued for an alleged assault on paparazzo Steve Farrell last Friday.

Strictly continues this Saturday at 6.40pm on BBC One.