Ricky Hatton sends Claire Sweeney a loving birthday message as their rumoured romance apparently hots up
Lauren Fletcher
Claire Sweeney and former boxer Ricky Hatton were recently spotted looking cosy on a night out together, and their rumoured romance appears to be going from strength to strength.
Ricky and Coronation Street actress Claire, who got to know each other last year when they were both on ITV’s Dancing On Ice, are said to have had an “electric chemistry” when they first met during rehearsals for the competition. He is thought to have been the one to make the first move, and since then they have gone on several dates.
Ricky, 45, is said to be “besotted” with the star, and his feelings towards Claire, 53, are very much reciprocated, according to a source.
“Claire’s been unlucky in the past with her love life but she’s really happy with Ricky,” a source claimed. “He’s got a kind heart and makes her laugh. That’s the way to Claire’s heart, making her laugh, and she’s been nothing but smiles since meeting Ricky.
“It’s a very unlikely pairing but they’ve both realised that they actually have so much in common and both love each other’s company. They’re laughing all the time.”
The source added, “Claire also loves boxing and she likes a rough and tough man. They’re getting on really well. I think they’re going to try to get away soon, maybe have a Caribbean holiday, but they’re just enjoying each other’s company for the minute and having a bit of fun.”
After months of rumours about the budding romance, Ricky appeared to make his feelings clear in a sweet tribute to Claire that he wrote on his Instagram Stories on Wednesday 17 April. In the post, he shared a behind-the-scenes snap from Dancing On Ice, with him dressed i
