Ricky Hatton previously spoke about his relationship with Claire Sweeney and said ’25 years later we found each other’
Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney attend the Co-op Live official welcome ceremony at Co-op Live on April 20, 2024 in Manchester
Ricky Hatton’s enjoyed an eight-month romance with Brookside and Coronation Street star Claire Sweeney.
Their relationship captured headlines at the time, with the Mancunian boxer and the Scouse actress appearing to fall in love across an ice rink.
Hatton – known as ‘The Hitman’ – was taking part in Dancing on Ice in 2024 when he was re-acquainted with Sweeney, who played Corrie character Cassie Plummer.
Even though the pair had known each other for years, it wasn’t until they both signed up for the ITV competition that they appeared to hit it off.
The couple were then spotted on a series of pub dates, including in Stockport, Greater Manchester.
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They then were captured on the red carpet together for the first time in May 2024 at the opening night of the £365m Co-op Live Arena, in Manchester.
Hatton and Sweeney shared photos on Instagram after posing together at the press boards for VIPs at the new arena’s welcome event.
Soon after, the couple enjoyed a sun-soaked holiday in Tenerife, Manchester Evening News reports.
Ricky confirmed in July 2024 that he and Sweeney had been dating for about five months.
Speaking about the relationship with Prime Casino, Hatton said: “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.”
The boxer said they got on ‘straight away’ during ice skating training and when the show kicked off, they ‘got on even better’.
Hatton added: “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 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: “Me and Claire have been together about five months now”.
The boxer then added: “Long may it continue!”
Sweeney previously told ITV’s Lorraine: “I’ve known Ricky for, like, 25 years. We always passed each other at events.”
She continued: “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 star then shared: “He makes me laugh, and we both like Only Fools and Horses, so what’s not to like?”
But in December 2024 it was reported the pair had split.
Claire told MailOnline: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!”
Despite the break-up, they continued to publicly show support for one another.
Before Ricky’s tragic death, it was announced he was set to face UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2.
At the time, Sweeney shared a video of the announcement, writing alongside it: “This is brilliant.”
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