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EXCLUSIVE: Boxing icon Ricky Hatton was found dead at the age of 46 leaving behind a son and two daughters – while fans and fellow stars have shared their sadness over his death

Ricky Hatton’s Dancing On Ice partner has shared her shock and devastation over his sudden death. The sporting and entertainment worlds were rocked on Sunday when it was revealed the boxing legend had been found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

The sportsman, who held multiple world championships in the light-welterweight division, and one at welterweight, in the real of boxing, was aged 46. In 2024, Ricky was partnered with Canadian professional skater Robin Johnstone when they competed on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.

While the pair’s time on the show was short lived – as they were the first couple to be voted off the sixteenth season – a firm friendship was formed between them. Robin has now spoken out to share her shock and sadness over Ricky’s death.

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Speaking to The Mirror, Robin opened up about her friendship with Ricky, revealing: “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.”

Giving more details about their connection, she continued: “Out of all my partners on the show, we kept in touch the most.”

She revealed: “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.”

News of Ricky’s tragic death emerged on Sunday. 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.”

Ricky is survived by his son Campbell, 24, and daughters Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12.

Many have taken to social media to share their sadness over the sport star’s death. 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.” Frank Bruno wrote on X: “What can I say I’m absolutely devastated. RIP My friend.”

And in a heartfelt, lengthy tribute, Amir Khan spoke candidly about his mental health issues. “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.”

The boxing legend was found dead at his home in Manchester in the early hours of Sunday (14 September) morning, leaving behind his three children and devastated boxing fans

Ricky Hatton, known as The Hitman, has left the boxing world in mourning after it emerged that he had been found dead at his home. He sadly leaves behind his three children: Campbell, 24, Millie, 13, and Fearne, 12.

Crowned a world champion in 2005, the boxing legend won titles at light-welterweight and welterweight before retiring in 2011 with a record of 45 wins and two defeats. During his career, the 46 year old openly spoke about his struggle with depression and alcohol and spent time in a rehabilitation clinic.

Earlier this year, Hatton announced his comeback bout after more than a decade out of boxing, and was set to take on United Arab Emirates boxer Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2. Tragically, on Sunday, 14 September, Greater Manchester Police confirmed a body had been discovered at Hatton’s residence and that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

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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.”

Here, we take a look at his family life, including his beloved children, whom he sadly leaves behind.

Hatton grew up on a council estate in Hyde, Manchester. After having trials for Rochdale football club, he joined a boxing club in order to defend himself from bullies at school.

His younger brother Matthew, 44, also fought professionally and held the European welterweight title from 2010 to 2011. However, it was Ricky who went on to become a household name.

The boxer encountered many tough challenges outside of the ring. He faced mental health struggles and had a rocky relationship with his parents, Carol and Ray Hatton, following a reported row over money. In September 2012, Ray Hatton, then 61, was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his son.

He was given a police caution following the incident outside his son’s Greater Manchester gym on Market Street, Hyde. It is understood that Ricky Hatton had to protect himself during a heated row in the car park, but was not injured.

Hatton told the Manchester Evening News in 2019: “Ultimately, when I fell out with my parents, I hit rock bottom. I didn’t care whether I lived or died, to be honest with you. A few of my school friends are the same age as me, their parents were having heart attacks, and I was going to their funerals.

“And I thought to myself, ‘I’m 40 now, I’m at an age where our parents might not be here much longer’. So if their parents are getting ill and passing away and all that, it’s not going to be long before mine go. I just made the effort to think, ‘listen, you know, let bygones be bygones, leave things in the past. That’s it’.”

Hatton reconciled with his parents in 2019 but the fragile relationship was hit again – following the release of Sky documentary ‘Hatton’.

His mum, Carol, shared a letter with the Mail Online in 2023 that she had written. She said: “I must’ve rewrote this letter, changed it time and time again, not wanting anyone to think that I was slating my son. Every time I read it, I still get upset because I’m hurting.

“Me and Ray are on our last lap. Nobody knows what’s around the corner. How would he feel if anything happened to either of us? There’s an old saying, ‘If he can’t come see me when I’m alive, don’t come when I’m dead with your tears’.”

Hatton began his own family at the tender age of 22.

In 2001, Hatton’s eldest son Campbell was born following a short-lived reconciliation with Hatton’s ex-girlfriend Claire. He later became a father to Millie and Fearne during his relationship with former fiancée Jennifer Dooley.

Ricky also had a granddaughter named Lyla. He and Jennifer split in 2016.

His son Campbell, 24, followed his father’s footsteps and made his professional boxing debut in 2021. He recorded his first knockout victory over Attila Csereklye later that year.

Campbell won all of his opening 14 fights before back-to-back defeats at the hands of James Flint in 2024. He appointed his father as his trainer in March, but four months later, it was confirmed that Hatton junior had hung up his boxing gloves.

Ricky was most recently in a relationship with actress Claire Sweeney. The pair became close after they both appeared on the 2024 season of Dancing On Ice.

Claire previously said of their romance: “We always passed each other at events, we did a TV show together, first of all I met him in La Manga in the early 2000s and then we did dance for Comic Relief together in 2013 and then met on Dancing On Ice. It’s been great.”

The pair have known each other for years. Hatton added: “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.”

They soon split afterwards, but Claire previously said: “We’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good.”

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.”