Ricky Whittle, the Hollyoaks actor and hotly-tipped favourite to win this year's Strictly Come Dancing, has been arrested on suspicion of assaulting a photographer.
Whittle was leaving a party in Liverpool City centre when it is alleged he assaulted a paparazzi, thought to be Steve Farrell, 34.
It is understood Ricky Whittle was driving his car at the time of the incident, leaving Steve Farrell with bruising to his legs.
Whittle's ex girlfriend Carly Stenson was spotted as a back seat passenger in his Dodge Ram pick-up truck - sparking rumours of a possible reunion between the pair.
Farrell was previously involved in an incident with football legend Paul Gascoigne in 2005, although the photographer later dropped assault charges against the former England star.
Farrell is known as "Postman Pap" since he was previously a Royal Mail worker who began his work in photography when obtaining autographs from celebrities which he then sold on e-Bay. His pictures initially being taken as evidence to support the veracity of the autograph.
Whittle, 29, was in Liverpool's Parr Street studios until the early hours of Friday morning with Hollyoaks co-stars, for actress Zoe Lister's leaving party.
General Manager at Parr Street Studio 2, Cameron Acott, said: "The Hollyoaks party left here at around 1am.
"They were all in a good mood and left without fuss, thanking staff for a great night.
"The first thing we knew about the incident was when police arrived at 3.40am and requested to see our CCTV footage.
"The incident happened away from our premises."
Ricky Whittle is currently in custody at St Helens police station.
A Merseyside police spokesperson confirmed: "A 29-year-old man from Billinge, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of assault.
"He remains in custody where he will be questioned by officers later today.
"The arrest follows an incident in which took place in Duke Street, Liverpool City Centre, in the early hours of Friday morning.
"The incident involved a collision with a male pedestrian."
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