New couple Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton made their red carpet debut at the Co-op Live official welcome ceremony in Manchester on Saturday.

The actress, 53, and former boxing champion Ricky, 45, met earlier this year when they both competed on Dancing on Ice and have grown closer ever since.

The showbiz pair were at the official welcome ceremony at the Co-op Live Arena and the Coronation Street star opted for an white off-the shoulder dress that went right down to the floor.

Ricky opted for a casual look, pairing a black blazer with a basic T-shirt, ripped jeans, and plimsolls.

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton put on a loved up display as they cosied up together on the red carpet i Manchester on Saturday

West End actress Claire beamed at her new beau as they made their first official public appearance together since becoming a couple

The occasion marks the first time the pair have posed together officially since it was revealed that they are dating.

 But just days ago, Ricky took to social media to wish Claire a happy birthday.

In his birthday tribute they beamed in one selfie backstage at Dancing on Ice which is where they first met before love blossomed.

Claire has told friends she feels like ‘she has won the lottery’ as her romance with Ricky goes from strength to strength.

Pals close to the West End star say the relationship ‘came from nowhere’ after she met boxer Ricky.

“Claire and Ricky have become really close,” the friend shared with MailOnline. “She wasn’t looking for a relationship, but then Ricky came along and it just felt right and natural, and she’s really happy.

“She signed up for a reality TV show and met a great guy, so it feels a bit like winning the lottery, and she’s really counting her blessings as it all came from nowhere, and often that’s the best way.

“She’s now really looking forward to introducing Ricky to her family and friends soon, and they are really looking forward to the guy who has put a smile on Claire’s face.”

The Coronation Street star opted for a flowing white gown for the event and accesorised with a golden handbag whilst Ricky kept casual in a blazer and jeans

Ricky Hatton shared a sweet birthday message for his girlfriend Claire Sweeney on Wednesday after their new romance was revealed this month

Boxer Ricky, 45, called his new love ‘gorgeous’ in his post as he shared two snaps on them together on his Instagram

Claire became the third star to leave this year’s Dancing On Ice in February (pictured with pro partner Colin Grafton)

Ricky was the first celebrity to be eliminated from Dancing On Ice 2024 in January (pictured with his partner Robyn Johnstone)

“The former Brookside actress has a son, Jaxon, eight, with her ex-partner Daniel Reilly, while Ricky has Campbell, 23, Millie, 11, and Fearne, 10, from previous relationships.

Friends say the retired World Champion is ‘one of the funniest people’ she’s ever met, and that the pair have grown ‘incredibly close’ and are plotting a summer getaway.

A source said: ‘Anyone who knows Ricky knows how funny and entertaining he can be. But Claire had no idea until she met him on Dancing on Ice, and that’s what really attracted her to him initially. He constantly had her in hysterics, and they grew closer and closer after that.”

‘Things have become serious quite quickly and they are just really enjoying each other’s company and seeing how things develop from here.’

Ricky Hatton shares a sweet birthday message for his ‘gorgeous’ girlfriend Claire Sweeney as their new romance continues to heat up

Ricky Hatton shared a sweet birthday message for his girlfriend Claire Sweeney on Wednesday after their new romance was revealed this month.

Boxer Ricky, 45, called his new love ‘gorgeous’ in his post as he shared two snaps on them together on his Instagram.

It comes as Coronation Street star Claire, 53, has told friends she feels like ‘she has won the lottery’ as her new romance with Ricky heats up – who she was first seen on a cosy night out with earlier this month.

In his birthday tribute they beamed in one selfie backstage at Dancing on Ice which is where they first met before love blossomed.

He penned in the caption: ‘Happy birthday claire. Have the best day gorgeous. Lots of love. Ricky. xxx @claire.sweeney.’

Ricky Hatton shared a sweet birthday message for his girlfriend Claire Sweeney on Wednesday after their new romance was revealed this month

Boxer Ricky, 45, called his new love ‘gorgeous’ in his post as he shared two snaps on them together on his Instagram

Claire has told friends she feels like ‘she has won the lottery’ as her romance with Ricky goes from strength to strength.

Pals close to the actress say the relationship ‘came from nowhere’ after she met boxer Ricky.

“Claire and Ricky have become really close,” the friend told MailOnline. “She wasn’t looking for a relationship, but then Ricky came along and it just felt right and natural, and she’s really happy.

“She signed up for a reality TV show and met a great guy, so it feels a bit like winning the lottery, and she’s really counting her blessings as it all came from nowhere, and often that’s the best way.

“She’s now really looking forward to introducing Ricky to her family and friends soon, and they are really looking forward to the guy who has put a smile on Claire’s face.”

Meanwhile, a source close to Ricky joked: “At first, Ricky thought signing up for DOI had been a big mistake because he wasn’t the greatest ice skater! But as soon as he was introduced to Claire, he realised agreeing to the show was a great move.

“They’re having a lot of fun and enjoying themselves.”

The pair met on the ITV show and started dating after Ricky messaged her and invited her to a boxing event.

It comes as Coronation Street star Claire, 53, has told friends she feels like ‘she has won the lottery’ as her new romance with Ricky heats up – who she was first seen on a cosy night out with earlier this month

The pair have been enjoying plenty of time together in recent weeks along with their other friends

And Corrie star Claire was left floored by the boxing legend’s knockout charm.

Friends say the retired World Champion is ‘one of the funniest people’ she’s ever met – and that the pair have grown ‘incredibly close’ and are plotting a Summer getaway.

A source said: ‘Anyone who knows Ricky knows how funny and entertaining he can be. But Claire had no idea until she met him on Dancing on Ice, and that’s what really attracted her to him initially. He constantly had her in hysterics and they grew closer and closer after that.

“Things have become serious quite quickly, and they are just really enjoying each other’s company and seeing how things develop from here.

“They are also discussing possibly going on holiday together to Tenerife in the summer, which will see their relationship go to the next level.”

Pals also think Claire could prove to be a good influence on Ricky, who has suffered from personal issues in the past.

Our source added: “Ricky’s had a bit of a rollercoaster lifestyle in the past. Since retiring, there has often been a lot of drinking and partying, which he combines with his boxing training and his coaching of other fighters.

“But Ricky is keen to draw a line under a lot of that. He still likes a drink and a laugh, but he’s back on track and open-minded to settling down. That’s why his friends and family are delighted someone like Claire has come along. They think it could be just the right moment for them both, and everyone just wants them to be happy.”

Details of the pair’s relationship emerged last week, with sources revealing that they had developed ‘electric chemistry’ during the show.

Earlier this month, they were spotted enjoying a pub crawl in Greater Manchester.”

Ricky was the first celebrity to be eliminated from Dancing On Ice 2024 in January (pictured with his partner Robyn Johnstone)

Claire became the third star to leave this year’s Dancing On Ice in February (pictured with pro partner Colin Grafton)

“It’s said to be the latest in a series of dates since March this year, which included a trip with friends to Liverpool’s Hot Water Comedy Club.

Former light welterweight and welterweight Ricky has a son, Campbell.

He has been linked with Playboy models Carla Howe and Chelsea Claire, along with Marie Pollard, Charlie Nordell, and Angela Blemmings.

Claire, who also starred in Brookside, was in a relationship with Tony Hibbard from 2001 to 2007, and her last relationship was with Daniel Reilly, the father of her son Jaxon, eight. They broke up in 2017.

The post comes after Claire was seen filming a new ITV show, Drama Queens, at the BLUE concert held at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool on Wednesday.

She looked incredible in a dark zip-front short-sleeved jumpsuit as she posed with former EastEnders actress Rita Simons.”

The post comes after Claire was seen filming a new ITV show Drama Queens at the BLUE concert held at the philharmonic Hall in Liverpool on Wednesday

She looked incredible in a dark zip front short sleeved jumpsuit as she posed with former EastEnders actress Rita Simons