Claire Sweeney pays tribute to ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton on his 47th birthday
Claire Sweeney shared a photo of her late ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton on Monday (06.10.25) - his 47th birthday.
Claire Sweeney has paid tribute to her late ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton on his birthday.
The former world champion - who was found dead aged 46 in September at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester, by his friend and manager Paul Speak - would have turned 47 on Monday (06.10.25).
Claire - who first met Ricky in La Manga in the early 2000s, but struck up a romantic relationship with him after they did ITV's Dancing on Ice together in January 2024 - shared a photo of the boxing legend on her Instagram Stories on Monday.
She wrote over the picture: "Happy birthday," followed by the two hands placed firmly together, and a red heart emojis.
On October 5, Claire, 54, and her 11-year-old son Jaxon - whom she has with her ex-partner Daniel Reilly - enjoyed time together in Soho, London, and they visited a gift shop in Covent Garden.
Claire and Jaxon fell in love with an Only Fools and Horses toy, which features a Derek 'Del Boy' Trotter (Sir David Jason) figurine mimicking the legendary scene in the 1989 episode Yuppy Love, where the character falls over after a barman lifts the counter hatch before Del goes to lean on it.
Speaking of the toy, the former Brookside actress could be heard saying: "Ricky would've loved that."
Ricky died on September 14 - three months before he was to fight Eisa Al-Dah, 46, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates - and his funeral will take place at Manchester Cathedral on October 10.
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. (sic)"
