How Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton secretly dated after reuniting on Dancing On Ice

Claire Sweeney and Ricky Hatton secretly dated after reuniting on Dancing On Ice back in 2024. The pair began their secret relationship after becoming good friends on the show.

The two of them had known each other for 25 years beforehand but things turned romantic when they both took part on the skating programme. Ricky was the first person to be kicked off the show in week one but the couple still stayed in touch and that's when things progressed.

Claire managed to stay in until week three. The two of them initially dated in secret and enjoyed a holiday to Tenerife together before going public with their relationship.

READ MORE: Paddy McGuinness fights tears as he announces death of pal Ricky Hatton on radio show

READ MORE: Ricky Hatton spotted singing Oasis track in haunting video days before his death

However, the pair called time on their romance but remained friends. At the time The Sun reported that Claire said: "We’re still friends, we were friends, we dated and now we’re friends again. It’s all good."

Ricky split from the mother of his children, Millie and Fearne, Jennifer Dooley in 2016 after they were together for 11 years.

A police statement confirmed when officers found the body of British boxing legend Ricky Hatton. News broke after lunchtime on Sunday that Hatton had tragically died at the age of 46.

Ricky last fought professionally in 2012 but had been training ahead of his return to the ring in December. Hatton was also due to attend Sunday's Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium, home of his team Man City.

Ricky had a table booked in hospitality and there will a minute's applause. The fighter, whose record stood at 45 wins and three losses, was found dead at his home in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

In a statement, police confirmed that his death was not being treated as suspicious. "Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today where they found the body of a 46-year-old man," it read. "There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances."

Tributes have poured in for the legend including from fellow boxers. Tyson Fury posted on Instagram: Rip to the legend @rickyhatton may he rip. There will only ever be 1 Ricky hatton. can't believe this so young."

Amir Khan shared a lengthy tribute to Hatton, writing: "Today we lost not only one of Britain's greatest boxers, but a friend, a mentor, a warrior, Ricky Hatton.

"As fighters, we tell ourselves we're strong - we train, we sweat, we take hits, we get up. But sometimes the hardest fight happens in silence, in the mind. Mental health isn't weakness. It's part of being human. And we must talk about it. We must reach out. We must lean on each other.

"Ricky, thank you for everything. For your fights, your moments of glory, your grit. Thank you for pushing us, showing us what's possible. To everyone reading this: if you're hurting or struggling, you are not alone.

"Talk. Reach out. Because we need more light, more compassion, more understanding. Rest well, Ricky. You’ll always have your place in the ring of our memories."

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Threads.