As the ex Hollyoaks star returns to TLC's Mistresses he talks to Female First about sex scenes, insecurities and being a Hollywood diva.
Ricky Whittle in Mistresses
What 's Rochelle Aytes, who plays your on-screen lover April, like?
She's possibly one of the most incredible women you're ever likely to meet, she's more stunning in real life and I don't know how that's possible because she's incredible on screen. I think she's an experiment who's created this perfect human being. She has just so much talent and it's so easy to work with her and to create a chemistry and dynamic. Fortunately in season two we were able to capture that and really push the bar out.
Well, the pair of you shared some pretty raunchy love scenes. Do they ever impact on real life relationships?
It all depends on the person's partners. I believe it's my position as a partner to make the other feel secure. I'm very loving and very into my partners when I am with them. I just want them to feel safe.
Are there any etiquette rules when it comes to filming sex scenes?
I was raised well by my mother who is an absolute queen, I'm my mamma's boy and my dad is an absolute gentleman too so I always make sure that the lady is as comfortable as possible.
In what way are you like your character Daniel, who last series betrayed April by not telling her that he was an FBI agent?
I like to keep myself to myself, so in that way we're both very secretive. We kind of both lead these double lives. The Ricky that the public see, whether it be on screen as a character, in public or on social media, is very outgoing and I'm a bit of a class clown. Then those who are closest to me know that I can be very sensitive. I can be quite insecure about myself.
Do you mean physically insecure?
I think everyone's got insecurities. I'm very grateful and it's sweet that people think of me in a certain way but I definitely don't see that.
Do you seriously not consider yourself attractive?
Don't get me wrong I have good days where I'll be like 'yeah, today's a good day! Okay, here's the secret, when I'm walking around with my hat on that's Ricky having a bad day, I don't feel good. If Ricky's walking around without his hat, he's having a good day.
You 're often pictured walking around shirtless. Is that you having a really good day?
No, Ricky walking around with no shirt on is Ricky walking up a mountain or running up and down a mountain in 100 degrees heat. No one hikes up a mountain with a shirt on in that sort of weather. I don't really get the British press over here but my sister sends me stuff now and then and what I read is hilarious. It's always like 'Ricky Topless Again'. Well, if you're going to stand at the bottom of a mountain where everyone works out in 100 degree heat you're going to see me with my top off. If you follow me through the streets or shopping I'm going to be dressed."
You 've lived in America since 2012, how is life in Hollywood?
Life's going well. I've got beautiful friends who look out for me and I'm successful. I'm working all year round on various shows and have lots of projects coming in. I've got to a point where I'm being offered films and TV and it's about trying to fit things in. My problems now are first world problems - I'm having to turn down films because I'm too busy on two TV shows that are now in their third seasons.
Do fear that there 's always somebody else new on the scene chasing your shadow?
I'm not scared. I only worry about things I can change and control and that's myself. As long as I'm continually working on my craft, giving 100% and looking after my body and mind then I don't care what anyone else is doing.
Did you inherit that discipline from your Dad, who was in the RAF?
Yeah, my dad was an officer in the Royal Air Force. I wasn't allowed to leave my room until my bedroom was tidy and my bed was made. He was a very stern man and instilled that discipline. He raised me well and I definitely thank my parents for my upbringing. They raised me to be a gentleman, to treat everyone exactly the same whether they're homeless person or a studio executive. It doesn't matter, you treat everyone with respect. It takes two seconds to answer a question or to smile. You don't know what's going on in other peoples' lives.
So you'll never be a Hollywood diva then?
I'm too scared of my mum to be a diva! I live my life like my mum and dad are watching me so if I feel that they would clip me around the ear for saying or doing something bad then I'm probably going to steer away from it.
You 've been spotted with a new girl named only as Sara. Is this a new love?
I was speaking with my cast mates Chris Larkin and Bob Morley last night about that and they were asking whether I'm ready for a relationship. I've always said if someone happens to walk into your life and blow you away, then you have to embrace that. I'm not afraid to do that and I'm at a place now in my life where I'm secure and happy, I know who I am. When the rest of my life is so all over the place it's nice to have that rock to come home to but at the same time I'm very much focused on work and right now that's what I'm going to continue focusing on. I believe that if you're looking for love you find little bits of what you're looking for but not the real thing because you're looking too hard. The real love hits you when you're not looking.
You seem really deep. Have you bought into the American trend of seeing a shrink to discuss your emotions?
I have not really gone down that road, that's where I'm going to keep it British, keep it English and talk to mum and dad!
Are you planning to stay in America?
I'm looking for a house as we speak, this is where I'm going to put down roots now.
Are you looking for a Hollywood mansion in the hills?
I don't need a mansion, I'm just happy with a place if a relationship and kids come along I don't need to move so something big enough for kids. I'm looking for the place where I'm going to be the next decade or two.
Mistresses 9pm Wednesdays on TLC from 12th August
Tagged in Ricky Whittle