Claire Sweeney shares emotional post on Ricky Hatton on first birthday since his death

Devastated Claire Sweeney paid tribute to former boyfriend Ricky Hatton on what would have been the boxing legend's birthday.

The former world champion - found dead in September at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his friend and manager Paul Speak - would have turned 47 today. Claire and Ricky went from being friends to lovers and back to being friends again following a whirlwind eight-month relationship and always stayed close.

The soap star, who first met Ricky in La Manga in the early 2000s, struck up a romantic relationship with him after they appeared on ITV's Dancing on Ice together in January 2024. She shared a photo of the boxing legend on her Instagram Stories this morning She wrote over the picture: "Happy birthday," followed by the two hands placed firmly together, and a red heart emojis.

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Ricky, a former light welterweight champion, met up with Claire during rehearsals for the ITV reality show and quickly began to win her over. A source told the Mirror at the time: "The chemistry was electric. Ricky went out of the show early on but he contacted her afterwards and let's say he started wooing her. They've been out on several dates."

They added: "They've been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely besotted. It seems like an unlikely match but he's always had a way with women. They fall for his personality, and Claire has. He knows her number one priority is her son so they are being very careful. Let's watch this space."

On September 16, Claire took to Instagram and wrote a heartfelt tribute for her former lover - who split from each other after an eight-month relationship because they "decided they're better off as pals". Captioning a video slideshow of her and Ricky spending time with each other over the years, the Coronation Street actress - who remained on good terms with the fighter following their split later in 2024 - wrote: "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."

In the New Year reports emerged suggesting Ricky and Claire had parted ways. The split occurred prior to Christmas and when questioned about the separation a red carpet event earlier this year, 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!".

But the former couple 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 in December 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."

Ricky's son Campbell has made a plea to fans ahead of the British boxer's funeral. Details of the procession route ahead of his funeral at Manchester Cathedral on October 10 have been released.

He told Granada Reports: "That’s exactly what he would have wanted. He saw his biggest achievement in boxing as his fanbase, that’s what he was most proud of. He would want the street to be filled with people, there celebrating his life. Everything he did, he did for his fans."

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