ACTOR Ricky Whittle has been crowned a winner in the Rear of the Year awards.

The annual competition determines which male and female celebrity possesses the most delectable derriere.

Whittle, 28 and from Billinge, who until recently played love rat Calvin Valentine in Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, grabbed the nation's attention with his performances as runner-up in the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.

He said: "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."

Newsreader Fiona Bruce, 46, landed the female prize.