Ricky Hatton and Claire Sweeney have broken up after eight months of dating.
The whirlwind romance began earlier this year after the boxing champ Ricky, 46, and soap queen Claire, 53, met while competing together on ITV’s Dancing On Ice. But it appears the pair were unable to go the distance and they have agreed to call time on their relationship.
It is reported the duo hope to remain good friends but that romance fizzled out between them – while suggestions of different lifestyles have been implied as a reason for the love split. Claire is twice divorced, having been married to Tony Hibbard from 2001 until 2007 and then Daniel Reilly from 2013 until 2015.
Ricky has never married but had an 11 year romance with Jennifer Dooley from 2005 to 2016 – and he is also the father of 23-year-old boxer Campbell Hatton, who he shares with another ex-girlfriend who is also called Claire. Details of Ricky’s break up from Claire Sweeney emerged on Sunday.
A source told the Daily Mail: “Claire and Ricky remain good friends, there has been no fallout between them. They decided they’re better off as pals and are no longer romantically together. They enjoyed their time as a couple and have plenty of shared interests, but their lifestyles are very different.”
Offering some insight into the cause of the split, the source continued: “While Claire is one of the biggest stars on Coronation Street and is very career-gliding, Ricky’s more freewheeling and unpredictable. Ricky is already packing his bags for a getaway to Tenerife, where he feels more at home. Meanwhile, Claire’s putting her heart and soul into her career, leaving romance behind.”
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The source went on to state that Claire is being “consoled by celebrity friends and fellow cast members.” However, Claire has since broken her silence on the end of her romance with the sportsman. “I’m great – we’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good,” she said.
Back in June, Ricky gushed over his time on Dancing On Ice and the fact that it brought Claire into his life. He said: “I had a good laugh on the ice. I mean, after the first day, I was scared to death but I always love a challenge.
“I got knocked out in the first round, but I was able to able to meet Claire. I was always a Billy no mates at these things before Claire,” Ricky joked ahead of the event. “No, it’s great! Me and Claire have been together about five months now and long may it continue.”
A source previously told the Mirror of the former romance: “The chemistry was electric. Ricky went out of the show early on but he contacted her afterwards and let’s say he started wooing her. They’ve been out on several dates. Saturday was just one in a long line of them. They’ve been seeing each other quite a bit. He is completely besotted.”
