Claire Sweeney has paid a heartbroken tribute to Ricky Hatton after he died aged 46. The Coronation Street star dated the boxing icon for eight months last year.
Romance between the two long-time friends blossomed after they competed on Dancing On Ice and they regularly shared updates from their time together. The two went on a number of holidays to Tenerife before they announced their split last December.
Claire and Ricky remained on good terms and she regularly shared shows of support on her Instagram channels. She has taken to social media today to pay tribute to her former partner.
The 54-year-old said: “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.”
Ricky was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester on Sunday morning and his death is not being treated as suspicious. He was the dad to three children and his loved ones issued a tribute through Greater Manchester Police yesterday.
The statement said: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son Richard.
“Richard was so much more than a world champion. To us he was simply ‘Richard’, our son. A loving father, grandfather, and brother, and a true friend to many.
“He had a heart as big as his smile, and his kindness, humour and loyalty touched everyone who was lucky enough to know him. To the wider world, Richard will always be remembered as one of boxing’s greatest champions — a man who gave everything inside the ring and wore his heart on his sleeve outside of it.
“He inspired generations with his fighting spirit, his humility, and his love for the sport. But beyond the titles, the nights to remember, and the roar of the crowd, he remained the same down-to-earth Richard who never forgot where he came from.”
The statement added: “As a family, our loss is immeasurable, and words cannot truly capture the pain we feel. Yet in the midst of our grief, we have been deeply moved by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support.
“It has been a source of great comfort to see just how many lives Richard touched, and how widely he was admired and respected.
“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as we come to terms with life without him. In the days and weeks ahead, we will take strength from one another and from the knowledge that Richard’s legacy – both in boxing and as a man – will continue to live on.
“Richard’s memory will forever remain in our hearts, in the hearts of his fans, and in the sport he loved so dearly. With love and gratitude, The Hatton Family.”