Category Entertainment News

Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney’s romance was the talk of the town after the boxing legend and the Coronation Street actress seemingly fell in love across an ice rink

Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton’s whirlwind eight-month romance with Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney was the talk of the town, as the Manchester and Liverpool-born stars found love on an ice rink.

The world boxing champion, who tragically passed away at the age of 46 on Sunday (September 14), reconnected with the actress, best known for her role as Cassie Plummer in ITV’s Corrie, while participating in Dancing on Ice early last year.

Despite their long-standing acquaintance, it was only after their stint on the now-axed ITV competition show that rumours of a budding romance began to swirl, following a series of pub dates spotted in Stockport.

Their first public appearance as a couple came in May 2024, when they graced the red carpet at the grand opening of the £365m Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

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Both stars shared snaps from the event on their Instagram accounts, posing together at the press boards for celebs and VIPs at the new arena’s welcome event, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Soon after, the lovebirds were spotted soaking up the sun on a holiday in Tenerife, before jetting off for a long weekend in Mallorca with Ricky’s family.

In July of the same year, Ricky confirmed that he and Claire had been dating for five months. In an interview with Prime Casino, Ricky admitted that he didn’t join the ITV show in search of love, but rather with the hope of avoiding any injuries.

The Hattersley-born star opened up about his relationship, saying: “I’ve known Claire for a while. I’ve met her at a few functions and at different events over the years. Every time we’ve spoken we’ve hit it off and got on with each other.” He revealed that during ice skating training they clicked “straight away” and their bond deepened when the show started.

Ricky believed he had “half a chance” of winning Claire’s heart due to their instant chemistry every time they met. He admitted knowing she was single and said: “I knew how we had got on so well every time we met each other. I probably thought I had half a chance.

“It’s amazing [to find] someone you’ve probably known for 25 years. I’ve been in relationships and she’s been in relationships. 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.”

He also quipped to the Mirror after his brief appearance on Dancing on Ice: “I got knocked out in the first round, but I was able to meet Claire. I was always a Billy no mates at these things before Claire.”

He then spoke about their relationship: “No, it’s great! Me and Claire have been together about five months now,” before adding: “Long may it continue!”.

It came after Claire had told ITV’s Lorraine: “I’ve known Ricky for, like, 25 years. We always passed each other at events.”

She continued at the time: “We did a TV show together. First of all I met him in the early 2000s, then we did Dance for Comic Relief together in 2013. Then met on Dancing on Ice and it’s great..”

The former Brookside actress then revealed: “He makes me laugh, and we both like Only Fools and Horses, so what’s not to like?”.

However, it was in December that reports emerged suggesting Ricky and Claire had parted ways. The split occurred prior to Christmas and when questioned about the separation during a red carpet event, Claire informed MailOnline: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!”.

The former pair maintained their public backing for each other. Prior to Ricky’s devastating passing, it had been revealed that he was scheduled to take on UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on December 2 in Dubai.

The Stockport-born boxer was meant to travel out for a press conference to publicise the match, but was forced to stay at home following an eye injury he suffered during an Oasis reunion gig in Cardiff.

Although he couldn’t be there physically, he joined via video link, stating: “I’m very much looking forward to it myself, to be honest with you. What you’re trying to do there for boxing in Dubai is fantastic.”

At the time, showing her backing, his ex-partner Claire posted a video of the announcement on Instagram, writing alongside it: “This is brilliant.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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“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