Hollyoaks star Ricky Whittle has appeared in court today to deny a charge of dangerous driving.

The actor, who recently filmed his final scenes as Calvin Valentine on the Chester-based soap, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court to answer an allegation that he struck a photographer with his car last year.

After entering a not guilty plea, Whittle was bailed until August 9, when his trial will begin. The case is expected to last for up to four days.

Whittle was arrested last November after his vehicle allegedly collided with paparazzo Steve Farrell as he left a party in Liverpool. He was officially charged with dangerous driving a month later.

Last month, it was confirmed that he would stand trial over the matter as his case was referred to crown court.

Speaking today, prosecuting lawyer Paul Becker said that jurors would be shown "good quality CCTV" of the incident. According to the Liverpool Echo, a total of eight prosecution witnesses are expected to give evidence at the forthcoming trial.