Ex Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle lands lead role in American Gods

Former Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle’s string of hot US roles continues with the lead in new fantasy series American Gods!

One-time Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle has continued his success in the United States, landing the lead role in Starz channel's new series American Gods.

The former model-turned-actor was always one of the sexiest men in soapland when he played hunky policeman and all-round woman magnet Calvin Valentine in Hollyoaks (pictured, with Carmel McQueen).

Ricky Whittle in Strictly — (Image credit: BBC)

While appearing in Hollyoaks, Ricky also won new fans thanks to a run in the 2009 series of the hit BBC1 show, Strictly Come Dancing, where he and Australian dance professional Natalie Lowe (pictured) finished runners-up.

Ricky Whittle in The 100 — (Image credit: Everett/REX/Shutterstock)

Sadly, for Hollyoaks fans, Calvin was murdered by Theresa McQueen in 2010. But actor Ricky’s career has gone from strength to strength, with roles in several hit US series, including romantic drama Mistresses, where he played Daniel Zamora in 2014-2015, and in post-apocalyptic action series The 100, where he played ‘grounder’ Lincoln (pictured above) from 2014-2016.

Ricky Whittle in American Gods — (Image credit: © 2017 Starz Entertainment, LLC)

Ricky’s latest role sees him play former convict Shadow Moon (pictured above) in the new TV series, American Gods, based on the fantasy novel by acclaimed comic book writer and novelist Neil Gaiman.

The series will premiere on US satellite and cable network Starz in 2017. The cast also includes X Files actress Gillian Anderson, Game of Thrones actor Ian McShane and Australian Emily Browning.