Ricky Whittle wanted to be white

Friday, 20 November 2009

Ricky Whittle used to hate being mix-raced.

The 'Hollyoaks' actor - who plays Calvin Valentine in the Chester-based soap - grew up in Northern Ireland and says he was picked on because of his dark skin.

He told radio station 1Xtra: "Growing up at that time, I didn't want to be black because I was bullied and I'd tell my mum that I wanted to be white like everyone else at school.

"She just said, 'Listen, when you're older you're going to really appreciate this. You don't want to be the same as everyone else, you want to be different and you want to be unique.' It has happened that way and I'm enjoying my culture and my background."

Ricky - who is currently competing on TV talent show 'Strictly Come Dancing' - says being the victim of bullying made him a stronger person and he eventually learnt to ignore the cruel jibs.

(C) BANG Media International