Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney first found love while competing on the 2024 edition of ITV’s Dancing on Ice. The couple had a high profile romance, before calling time on their relationship towards the end of 2024 after eight months together.
Despite the short romance, the couple remained on good terms and shared plenty of memorable times together, including jetting off on holidays and spending time at intimate dining spots. Following the break-up, the former Brookside star revealed the two remained on good terms.
Claire previously told the MailOnline: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!” In May 2024, the couple shared snaps of a holiday to Tenerife together with their friends and looked very happy together. In October 2024, Claire shared a selfie with the boxer from Manchester Airport ahead of a holiday to Tenerife to celebrate Ricky’s birthday.
The devastating death of Hatton is one that has shocked the whole sporting community, as well as those who knew him well such as friends, family and ex partners. Claire shared a heartfelt message following the news of Hatton’s untimely death.
Claire wrote: “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky. My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter.
“To them, Speaky and to all his friends who loved him so deeply and for so many years I send you my deepest sympathy. Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
The Coronation Street actress also shared a special message, on what would have been the boxer’s 47th birthday this month. She said, alongside a prayer and a heart emoji: “Happy birthday.”
Speaking about their relationship, Ricky previously told Prime Casino: “I didn’t go on Dancing on Ice to find romance, I just went in hoping I wouldn’t break my f****** neck. I’ve known Claire for a while. I’ve met her at a few functions and at different events over the years.”
He continued to say: “I’ve had my kids and she’s had her kids. And then 25 years later we found each other. It’s quite a nice story.”
Hatton also joked to the Mirror after his short-lived stint on Dancing on Ice: “I got knocked out in the first round, but I was able to able to meet Claire. I was always a Billy no mates at these things before Claire.”
He then said of their relationship: “No, it’s great! Me and Claire have been together about five months now,” before adding: “Long may it continue!”
The boxing legend will be laid to rest today after he tragically died last month. Hatton was found dead at his home on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde in Greater Manchester on September 14.
Greater Manchester Police has confirmed that a body has been found and said that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A GMP spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have found a body at an address on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross at 6.45am today, Sunday, September 14. The death is not being treated as suspicious.”