Actress Claire Sweeney has broken her silence following the death of her ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton.
Ricky and Claire dated for eight months last year, calling time on their romance in December. Their friendship of 25 years had blossomed into romance when they both appeared on Dancing On Ice back in 2024.
Ricky was found at his Manchester home on Sunday (September 14). His cause of death hasn’t been revealed. But police have said they aren’t treating it as suspicious. Now Claire has issued a heartbreaking tribute to the boxer.
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Claire Sweeney ‘needed time to process devastating news’
The actress posted a series of pictures and videos of herself with the boxer alongside a long caption detailing her heartbreak.
She said: “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 [Paul Speak, his manager] 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.”
Claire’s post was flooded with support. Her Corrie co-star Samia Longchambon posted: “So so sorry Claire.” Catherine Tyldesley shared: “I’m so deeply sorry my love. A true legend gone too soon. God bless and love to him and his family/friends. Love you.” Helen Flanagan also shared her support: “So sorry Claire.”
Earlier today, it was revealed that Ricky’s body was discovered by his manager, Paul.
Claire Sweeney cuts sombre figure following death of Ricky Hatton
The actress, who was seen on the NTAs red carpet last week, was pictured at London’s Victoria Station yesterday (September 15) – the first time she’d been seen since Ricky’s death was announced.
Claire cut a sombre figure, as she pushed two suitcases through the station.
She recently commented on the video he shared announcing his return to the ring. She said the news was “brilliant”, and proved that the pair had remained friends, despite their split.
Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton’s split
Claire confirmed that they had broken up in an interview with The Sun back in December. She said she was doing “great” after the break-up, and added that she and Ricky had ended their relationship on cordial terms.
“We’re still friends. We were friends, we dated then we’re friends again. It’s all good,” she clarified at the time.
Sources at the time claimed: “Claire and Ricky remain good friends, there has been no fallout between them. They decided they’re better off as pals and are no longer romantically together.
“They enjoyed their time as a couple and have plenty of shared interests, but their lifestyles are very different,” they continued.
Ricky’s ex-girlfriend ‘heartbroken’ by his death
Another of the boxer’s exes has spoken out following his sudden death. Ricky’s ex-girlfriend, Chelsea Claire, shared a tribute to the boxer when the news broke. They dated for four months in 2023.
Chelsea, who was 14 years Ricky’s junior, shared a selfie of the former couple smiling.
“Heartbroken doesn’t begin to cover what myself and the rest of the world are feeling. You were an inspiration to many and I was lucky to call you my partner. You will be missed so much,” she said.
Read more: Ricky Hatton’s heroic fight back from depression and alcohol addiction
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