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Stockport born boxing legend Ricky Hatton died at the age of 46 as he was found dead in his Greater Manchester home

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton secretly dated after reuniting on Dancing On Ice back in 2024. The pair began their secret relationship after becoming good friends on the show.

The two of them had known each other for 25 years beforehand but things turned romantic when they both took part on the skating programme. Ricky was the first person to be kicked off the show in week one but the couple still stayed in touch and that’s when things progressed.

Claire managed to stay in until week three. The two of them initially dated in secret and enjoyed a holiday to Tenerife together before going public with their relationship.

READ MORE: Paddy McGuinness fights tears as he announces death of pal Ricky Hatton on radio showREAD MORE: Ricky Hatton spotted singing Oasis track in haunting video days before his death

However, the pair called time on their romance but remained friends. At the time The Sun reported that Claire said: “We’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good.”

Ricky split from the mother of his children, Millie and Fearne, Jennifer Dooley in 2016 after they were together for 11 years.

A police statement confirmed when officers found the body of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. News broke after lunchtime on Sunday that Hatton had tragically died at the age of 46.

Ricky last fought professionally in 2012 but had been training ahead of his return to the ring in December. Hatton was also due to attend Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, home of his team Man City.

Ricky had a table booked in hospitality and there will a minute’s applause. The fighter, whose record stood at 45 wins and three losses, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

In a statement, police confirmed that his death was not being treated as suspicious. “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man,” it read. “There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Tributes have poured in for the legend including from fellow boxers. Tyson Fury posted on Instagram: Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can’t believe this so young.”

Amir Khan shared a lengthy tribute to Hatton, writing: “Today we lost not only one of Britain’s greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

“As fighters, we tell ourselves we’re strong – we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn’t weakness. It’s part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

“Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what’s possible. To everyone reading this: if you’re hurting or struggling, you are not alone.

“Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories.”

Former Coronation Street action Will Mellor has paid an emotional tribute to his friend and fellow Manchester star Ricky Hatton after his death aged 46

Will Mellor has paid a touching tribute to his friend Ricky Hatton. The former boxer was tragically found dead at his home on Sunday aged 46.

Now Two Pints actor Will, who is also from Manchester like the sports icon, has taken to social media to share his condolences. Boxing fan Will, 49, posted a black-and-white image of Ricky holding his world champion belts on his Twitter /X account.

The photo had the words RIP Ricky in sky blue at the bottom, marking his love for Manchester City. Alongside the upload, Will said:”I’m absolutely devastated to hear about my good friend Ricky Hatton!! He was the real people’s champion but his biggest battle was his mental health! May you rest in peace mate. #RIPRickyHatton #rip #mentalhealth.”

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton dead: Boxing icon, 46, found at home as tributes pour in – updatesREAD MORE: Ricky Hatton hailed as ‘one of the genuine ones’ by promoter Kellie Maloney

Rickys’ cause of death is not yet known, but police are not treating it as suspicious. Hatton, who would have celebrated his 47th birthday in October, had candidly spoken about his battles with mental health issues and drug addiction in the past.

Throughout his illustrious boxing career, he won a number of world championships. He was also successful in winning UK titles, and was honoured as Fighter of the Year in 2015.

In 2022, Ricky joined Will and his pal Ralf Little on their Two Pints with Will and Ralf podcast for a chat at his home. Will also featured in a biography about the popular pugilist in 2007. The documentary, titled Ricky Hatton – A Life Story, saw a number of the sports star’s celebrity fans provide commentary.

Will joined thousands of gutted fans and followers in paying tribute after they were stunned by the devastating news. Other celebrities to pay tribute was former Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan.

Piers posted on Instagram saying: “BREAKING NEWS: RIP Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton, 46. Found dead at his home in Manchester, police say no suspicious circumstances. What incredibly sad news about one of Britain’s greatest boxers, who held multiple world titles.”

A number of his famous followers paid their respects in the comments section, including sports stars Robbie Keane and Frankie Dettori. Reporter Kirsty Gallacher also responded: “Omg how sad.”

And also on Instagram David Beckham also shared a snap of Ricky with his arm held high after a boxing victory. On his Stories, David wrote: “Ricky was one of a kind.. Just Heartbreaking,” alongside a blue heart emoji.

He followed it up by sharing more shots of Ricky in action, saying: “Ricky was special in many way… Loved by his fans.”

And then, he sahred a quote from Ricky alongside a broken heart emoji. It read: “As long as I’ve got the love of the fans, that means everything to me.”

World boxing champion Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester and now his former co-stars have paid tribute to him

After world boxing champion Ricky Hatton was found dead at his home in Greater Manchester this morning (September 14), tributes have begun pouring in. The Stockport-born fighter was just 46 years old.

A police cordon is currently in place at his residence on Bowlacre Road in Gee Cross, Hyde. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed the discovery of a body and stated that the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson for GMP 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.”

As the world struggles to digest the tragic news of his passing, his Dancing on Ice co-stars have led the tributes to him. Ricky competed on the show in 2024 and was the first celebrity to be eliminated.

Greg Rutherford shared a sweet snap of the pair on the ice and penned a lengthy post. He began: “Utterly heart breaking news. I was so starstruck when I met Ricky for the first time and asked for this photo. I told him big a fan I was and through the entire chat he couldn’t have been kinder and more engaged.

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“Getting to know him the little bit I did that kindness always shined through. We had a couple of chats about mental health and the battles he’d faced and I told him some things that I hadn’t told anyone else about my own battles.

“He had some amazing words of support and I will always be thankful for that. A great human first and one of the greatest boxers we’ve ever seen. He’s going to be missed. Love to his family,” Greg concluded.

Finalist Adele Roberts shared her own picture with Ricky on the ice as she expressed: “Goodnight Ricky. Absolutely devastated and heartbroken by the news of Ricky’s passing. Thinking of his family, friends right now and all who knew him.

“He was such an amazing man. Someone I have admired from afar for years and couldn’t believe it when I got the chance to meet him. He was everything I’d hoped he’d be and more.

“So kind, funny, generous.. his laughter and spirit filled the room. He had the heart of a champ and was FEARLESS. You will be sorely missed Ricky. Gone way too soon. Rest in power champ.”

Judge Oti Mabuse took to her stories to say: “My heart goes out to @rickyhitmanhatton. Kindest heart and sweetest man. Was like a father figure to many celebs on doi.”

Love Island winner and musical theatre star Amber Davies penned: “Lovely Ricky. Thinking of all his loved ones, one of the sweetest during our time together on Dancing on Ice. RIP.”

His skating partner Robin Johnstone added: “Woke up to devastating news of the passing of my dear friend @rickyhitmanhatton. I’m beyond sad. You were a true friend. Sending my love to his beautiful girls Millie and Fearne and son Campbell.”

Fellow professional skater Andy Buchanan said: “Such sad news today. We’re going to miss you so much Ricky,” while Vicky Ogden wrote: “Incredibly sad. Thoughts are with his friends and family.”

The heartbreaking news arrives only months after the legendary fighter announced his comeback to the ring with a fight scheduled for December.

Throughout his illustrious boxing career, he held numerous world championships, as well as UK titles, and was honoured as Fighter of the Year in 2015.

Will Mellor also paid a touching tribute to his friend Ricky Hatton as the Two Pints actor Will, who is also from Manchester like the sports icon, has taken to social media to share his condolences. Boxing fan Will, 49, posted a black-and-white image of Ricky holding his world champion belts on his Twitter /X account.

The photo had the words RIP Ricky in sky blue at the bottom, marking his love for Manchester City. Alongside the upload, Will said:”I’m absolutely devastated to hear about my good friend Ricky Hatton!! He was the real people’s champion but his biggest battle was his mental health! May you rest in peace mate. #RIPRickyHatton #rip #mentalhealth.”

EXCLUSIVE: Ricky Hatton described his work helping others with their mental health was “medicine” to him amid his own struggles in an interview with Mirror before his tragic death.

Ricky Hatton described helping others as his “medicine” in an emotional interview with Mirror, which saw him open up about his mental health, before his heartbreaking death. The 46-year-old boxer’s body was sadly found at his Manchester home by police today, Sunday, 14 September.

In an interview with Mirror back in 2023, Ricky spoke of his mental health battles and how helping others by sharing his story was the thing that kept him going. “I struggled badly before, which is well documented. I’ve come from a very, very bad place to where I am today,” said Ricky, who battled depression back in 2007 and later become a mental health ambassador to help others.

He continued, “The best thing for me, is when people say to me, ‘Ricky, look where you were a few years ago and look at you now’, I was in a bad place a few years ago. When I do my talks, I tell my jokes and my stories and I get a few laughs, then I go into my mental health, and afterwards, it’s sad how many people – 15 or 20 people – will come up to me.”

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton’s ‘devastated’ Dancing on Ice partner breaks silence after his deathREAD MORE: Ricky Hatton’s son’s tragic reason for quitting boxing at 24 just months before dad’s death

“They will say, ‘I have mental health struggles Ricky and listening to you was very inspiring’, that’s what it is all about for me . And I still have mental health [struggles] but that’s my medicine.”

Ricky – who added that supporting important causes was “part of his job” – became an ambassador for the mental health charity Campaign Against Living Miserably in 2023, and often gave inspiring public talks about his own experiences.

Tributes have been flooding in for Ricky following the news of his death, which was confirmed by Greater Manchester Police.

A 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.”

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton dead: Boxing icon, 46, found at home as tributes pour in – updates

Ricky, who was known in the boxing world as “The Hitman”, last fought professionally in 2012, but had been training ahead of his return to the ring in December. He was also due to attend Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, home of his beloved Man City.

Paying homage to the sportsman, fellow fighter Tyson Fury said on Sunday: “RIP to the legend @rickyhatton, may he RIP. There will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Can’t believe this, so young.”

Meanwhile, Chris Eubank Jr added: “Rest in Peace Mr Ricky Hatton. We salute you,” and Michael Owen wrote: “RIP Ricky Hatton. What a guy. And what a fighter. Incredibly sad news.”

If you are struggling with mental health, you can speak to a trained advisor from Mind mental health charity on 0300 123 3393 or email info@mind.org.uk

Blancmange star Stephen Luscombe has died, with his bandmate Neil Arthur paying tribute to the musican. Stephen and Neil were a duo for much of their career and rose to fame in the 80s with their hit songs Living on the Ceiling, Waves, Blind Vision and Don’t Tell Me.

The band released three studio albums in the 80s, including Happy Families, Mange Tout and Believe You Me. In 1986, the duo split but later reformed in the late 2000s before releasing their fourth studio album, Blanc Burn, in 2011. Following the release, Stephen left due to ill health.

Neil went on to perform under the Blancmange name ion his own. The singer recently paid tribute to Stephen, the keyboardist, with a short statement to the Mirror.

He said: “Heartbroken. RIP Stephen. Love you forever.”

A New Wave fan page also paid tribute to the star, writing: “We sadly say goodbye to Stephen Luscombe (Blancmange). Rest in peace. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to Neil Arthur and all of their families, friends and fans.”

Another fan commented: “R.I.P. Steven thanks for the great memories and music,” and one commented: “RIP Stephen. Thanks for the memories.”

Blancmange was formed in Harrow in 1979 by Neil, Stephen and Laurence Stevens. Laurence left after the band was formed and the remaining duo went on to create iconic tracks.

The group’s name derived from the dessert of the same name. In 1980, they released their first EP, Irene and Mavis, but their exposure came with their track, Sad Day, on the album Som Bizzare Album alongside Soft Cell and Depeche Mode.

The compilation album led to them signing a recording contract with London Records. Stephen suffered from heart problems, which forced him to retire his music career.

In 2012, Stephen said he was unable to play on a number of tour dates because of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. He said: “It wouldn’t have been too clever to ignore that, and not fair on the boys to have that at the back of their minds.

“Turns out it’s hereditary – and the latest scan recently showed no change – SOOO I won’t be coming on the next adventure unfortunately.”

When Stephen left, Neil continued recording and performing as Blancmange and used the help of session musicians.

Stephen previously revealed his influences and interests included Brian Eno, Can, Captain Beefheart and Frank Zappa.

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Dancing On Ice star Robin Johnstone has broken her silence following the shock news that Ricky Hatton has died at the age of 46.

The British boxing legend was been found dead at his home in Greater Manchester at the age of 46. The iconic fighter competed between 1997 and 2012 before working as a promoter and trainer. He won a total of six world titles across three weight divisions and will be remembered as one of the best UK fighters of his generation.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a body was found and said that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A police cordon remains in place at Hatton’s home in Gee Cross, Hyde. He would have turned 47 next month and leaves behind three children including his son Campbell, who also boxed professionally before retiring earlier this year.

A police spokesperson confirmed: “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.”

The devastating news comes months after Hatton announced his planned return to the boxing ring, with a fight pencilled in for December. He was due to face United Arab Emirates fighter Eisa Al Dah over eight three-minute rounds.

While taking a break from boxing, Ricky appeared on Dancing On Ice in 2024 where he was partnered up with professional skater Robin. Speaking to The Mirror after learning of Ricky’s untimely death, Robin said that she was been left ‘devastated’ by the revelation.

“I’m devastated. It’s so sad. Ricky was a friend,” she told us. Robin went on to reveal that Ricky had ‘been doing so well’ and the news has come as a huge shock to his Dancing On Ice family.

“He’d been doing so well. He was talking about getting ready for his big fight and was all excited… it’s very shocking. He was really sweet. Such a good guy. My last memory of him is him looking out at me on the ice during Torvill and Deane’s show, with his girls and his eyes were just lit up, he was so excited to watch us, as were his girls. His kids were everything to him.”

Admitting that she had built a close bond with Ricky once the show finished, Robin told us that she would be speak to Ricky every couple of weeks to check in.

“We’d speak every couple of weeks.. I think we Whatsapped a week or two ago. I mean we stayed in touch after DOI – he’d check in with my husband Andy [Buchanan] and I all the time.

“Out of all my partners on the show, we kept in touch the most. He was in training mode and seemed in such good form, he was asking how we were… we were on the Torvill and Dean tour, and his girls came with him to see the show. We’ve met his girls quite a few times.”

Speaking about the time she spent with Ricky on the ITV show, Robin admitted that she didn’t know much about the boxer beforehand – but they cemented an incredibly close bond and friendship straight away.

“I didn’t know anything about him, but I was told he was a big deal. I remember meeting him, he took me to his boxing gym and put some globes on me but he was always so friendly, he loved a joke (some were good, some were dad jokes!) but I never saw him in a bad mood, or treating anyone badly.

“He treated me like gold. When we were out and the public stopped him for selfies, he’d always take the picture and spend time with every single person.”

Looking back on the quality time they spent together, Robin shared her favourite memory with Ricky as she recalled: “Watching him skate! We had some great laughs about that! But honestly? Just the friendship we formed with him.

“Talking about everything and anything. Ricky was very open talking about his past struggles with us, super open. He wanted to be open about mental health and his own struggles, so he could help others. But he seemed really happy. That’s why I can’t believe this.”

Shedding light on Ricky’s dating history with fellow Dancing On Ice contestant Claire Sweeney, Robin suggested that Claire will be utterly heartbroken by the news of Ricky’s sad death.

“We were friends with Claire, too. I haven’t talked to Claire in a while, but they remained good friends as far as I know, so I’m sure she’s heartbroken, everyone on the show will be so upset and sad. You become so close on a show like Dancing On Ice. He just loved life. He seemed like such a happy-go-lucky guy, so caring. We’ll miss him terribly.”

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