Ricky Hatton secretly dating Claire Sweeney for weeks as pals say ‘they’ve got spark’ after meeting on Dancing on Ice

Our exclusive photos show the loved-up pair enjoying a night out at the weekend

The ex-world champ, 45, and Claire, 52, met on Dancing On Ice.

Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney have enjoyed a string of secret datesCredit: Splash

The pair met while competing on Dancing On Ice this yearCredit: Splash

Ricky Hatton wrapped his arm around Claire Sweeney on a night outCredit: Splash
Our exclusive photos capture the affectionate moments between the couple as they enjoyed a night out over the weekend.

Strolling between bars in Manchester, Claire was spotted with her arm around the former welterweight champion’s shoulder.

The pair were observed exiting a pub with champagne bottles in hand around 6 pm on Saturday, before heading to another establishment.

Their evening came to a close around 11 pm, with Claire and Ricky sharing cuddles in the street as they bid farewell to friends.

Witnesses also spotted the couple at Liverpool’s Cavern club on Sunday, adding to their weekend adventures.

According to a source, their relationship blossomed from a friendship forged on Dancing On Ice, where they connected and hit it off.

The source revealed, “It’s since developed into a romantic relationship, and they’ve been enjoying each other’s company on several dates. While it’s early days, there’s definitely a spark between them, and they’ve been having a wonderful time together.”

Ricky recently ended his relationship with Playboy model Chelsea Claire, who is 14 years younger than him, just before his Dancing On Ice debut. Sources close to Ricky cited the significant age gap as a factor in the split.

Although Ricky was eliminated from the ITV show early on, he maintained contact with Claire, who remained on the show until week three.

Dad-of-three Ricky was devastated when fiancée ­Jennifer Dooley, 44, left him in 2016 after he went on a string of booze benders.

Scouser Claire was engaged to Daniel Reilly, dad of her son, Jaxon, but they split in 2015.

She said previously: “I’m open to dating but I’m so busy with Jaxon, Corrie and everything else.

“If I met someone amazing then that would be lovely but it’s out of my hands.”

She rose to prominence as Lindsey Corkhill in the long-running soap opera Brookside from 1991 to 2003. Following her stint on Brookside, she showcased her talent in the West End production of Chicago and appeared as a panelist on ITV’s Loose Women.

Last year, she made her debut on Coronation Street as Cassandra Plummer, the mother of Tyrone Dobbs, and her character has evolved into a significant role on the show.

Ricky and Claire are the latest couple to find love on the set of Dancing On Ice.

Former footballer Kevin Kilbane and professional skater Brianne Delcourt got engaged after meeting on the 2020 series.

Coronation Street’s Samia Ghadie and skater Sylvain Longchambon tied the knot in 2016 after being paired together in 2013.

Former England goalkeeper David Seaman was partnered with Frankie Poultney on the show in 2008, and they exchanged vows in 2015.

Claire leaned in close to whisper in Ricky’s earCredit: Splash

Insiders claim Ricky and Claire have a ‘real spark’Credit: Splash

Claire made it to week three of the skating competitionCredit: ITV

Ricky was the first off the ITV show

LEARN MORE ABOUT Ricky

Former 3 x Light Welterweight & Welterweight World Champion
Boxing Speaker
Entertaining After Dinner Speaker

Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton is a British boxing legend who has packed punches as well as arenas around the world – from his first days as a pro right up to his current role as a boxing promoter. In a spectacular career, he won 45 fights and only lost three.

Ricky turned pro in 1997 after a stellar amateur career. A relentless force in the ring his pressure and body punching led to numerous successful bouts against the world’s welterweight fighters – as a result he became a two-time IBF and IBO light welterweight champion, WBA Welterweight Champion, WBU, WBA Light Welterweight Champion and WBC, WBA, WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion.

“The Hitman – My Story”, an autobiography co-authored with Niall Hickman, was published in 2007. Another autobiography, “War and Peace”, followed this, with a third book, “Ricky Hatton’s Vegas Tales”, published in 2015.

Ricky was awarded an MBE for services to sports in the 2007 New Year Honours.

Since retiring from the ring in 2012, Ricky has helped many up and coming boxers through his own boxing promotions company. He has also enjoyed giving knockout performances as an After-dinner Speaker; he has a brilliant sense of humour and is always very well received.

To book Ricky as a Host for your Sports Day or as an After-dinner Speaker, contact Prime Performers Booking via the online booking enquiry form or alternatively call 020 3500 3331 for further information.