Claire Sweeney in tears as she leaves Manchester Cathedral after ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton’s funeral
Claire Sweeney broke down in tears after leaving the funeral of her ex-boyfriend Ricky Hatton today (October 10).
The Coronation Street star, 54, was visibly emotional as she left Manchester Cathedral following the funeral service held for the world championship boxer, who tragically died at his home in Hyde aged 46 on September 14.
Claire, who had an eight-month romance with Ricky after they both appeared on Dancing on Ice in 2024, could be seen wiping her tears away as she left the service.
The actress, best known for playing Cassie Plummer in Corrie, was joined by a host of famous faces and sports stars in Manchester to pay their respects and bid a final farewell to the Stockport-born fighter.
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Liam Gallagher, Tyson Fury, Tony Bellew, Wayne Rooney, Calum Best, Tommy Fury, Dean Gaffney, Paddy McGuinness and Freddie Flintoff were amongst the celebrities in attendance.
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Following the tragic news of Ricky’s passing, Claire said in a heartbreaking statement: “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.”
She added: “Ricky, you were the people’s champ. We adored and cherished you. Love you always.”
Ricky and Claire Sweeney captured headlines after the Manchester and Liverpool-born stars seemingly fell in love across an ice rink.
Despite being friends for years, it wasn’t until after taking part in the ITV skating competition that the pair got tongues wagging about a relationship.
They were spotted on a series of pub dates, including in Stockport, and then stepped out on the red carpet together for the first time in May 2024 at the opening night of the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.
It wasn’t long after when the new couple were then seen enjoying a holiday in Tenerife.
Ricky confirmed in July that same year that he and Claire had been dating for five months and during an interview with Prime Casino, Ricky revealed that he didn’t go on the ITV show to find a romance, but did go in with the hope of not sustaining any injuries.
Speaking about the relationship, the boxing legend said: “I’ve known Claire for a while. I’ve met her at a few functions and at different events over the years.
“Every time we’ve spoken we’ve hit it off and got on with each other.” He went on to say that during ice skating training they got on “straight away” and when the show kicked off “got on even better.”
“I knew how we had got on so well every time we met each other. I probably thought I had half a chance.
“It’s amazing [to find] someone you’ve probably known for 25 years. I’ve been in relationships and she’s been in relationships. I’ve had my kids and she’s had her kids. And then 25 years later we found each other. It’s quite a nice story.”
But in December 2024, it was reported Ricky and Claire had split.
The breakup came before Christmas and when asked about the split during a red carpet appearance, Claire told MailOnline: “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good!”.