Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton were an item for just under a year and the actress has paid tribute to her ex after his tragic passing
Chris Burns Senior Sports Writer
06:00, 10 Oct 2025
Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton were spotted on holiday with one another during their time together(Image: Claire Sweeney Instagram)
The late Ricky Hatton and actress Claire Sweeney were an item for a short time prior to the former’s untimely death.
Since the boxer’s passing, Sweeney, 54, has paid tribute to her former partner. The ex-world champion was found dead at his home in September at the age of 46.
Hatton will be laid to rest in Manchester on Friday, October 10, with a service set to take place at Manchester Cathedral. Hatton and Sweeney’s relationship drew headlines after the pair appeared together on Dancing on Ice.
The former Brookside star and Hatton had known each other for years, but it wasn’t until they were contestants on the ITV show in 2024 that they hit it off romantically. The couple were then spotted out on the town and on holiday together.
While they ended their relationship later that year, they remained friends afterwards. Wales Online examines their romance and how Hatton’s death has impacted Sweeney.
On their relationship
Speaking after the Coronation Street star and Hatton had become an item, Sweeney told ITV’s Lorraine: “I’ve known Ricky for, like, 25 years. We always passed each other at events.”
She added: “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… He makes me laugh, and we both like Only Fools and Horses, so what’s not to like?”
Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney had known each other for years before finally getting together(Image: Getty Images)
Of Claire, Ricky said: “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.”
In December 2024 it was reported that the couple had split. Asked about the separation, Sweeney told MailOnline: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good.”
Before Hatton’s death
Hatton was set to face UAE fighter Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on December 2 in Dubai. The retired fighter was supposed to fly out to a press conference to announce the bout, but had to remain at home after sustaining an eye injury during an Oasis concert in Cardiff.
Claire Sweeney has spoken out on Ricky Hatton’s death(Image: getty)
While he didn’t attend in person, he appeared via a video call, where he said: “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.” In a show of support, Sweeney took to Instagram to share a video of the announcement, writing alongside it: “This is brilliant.”
After Hatton’s death
Following Hatton’s tragic passing, Sweeney took to social media to share her thoughts. “I’ve needed a few days to process the devastating news about my dear friend Ricky,” she wrote on Instagram.
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“My thoughts are with his family especially his children Campbell, Millie Fearne and Lyla, his granddaughter. Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
She also posted a montage of photos of them together. Sweeney has also shared a picture of Hatton as she paid tribute to him on his 47th birthday on Monday. Posting a picture of the boxer on Instagram, she wrote: “Happy birthday” alongside a prayer and heart emoji.
